Working and Growing NEW Muscles & Dealing with Muscle Soreness

by Rachel on August 15, 2012 · 6 comments

A few weeks ago I was asking your opinion on whether or not I should join a local gym. I decided to jump on board and join. I have not regretted my decision to join the gym. My children and myself love all that the facility has to offer.

Having said that, I have been meeting with a personal trainer and taking some of their group strength training classes (or bootcamps). My Oh My my muscles have been worked over.

I have only been at this gym (and in our new city) for 3 weeks, and I can tell you that I am finding new muscles that I did not know even existed!!

I am sore.

I am tired.

I am finding and feeling muscles that I didn’t know existed!

This week’s muscle focus seems to be lower body. As that is what my trainer had me focus on Monday and the bootcamp instructor worked really hard yesterday (Tuesday). Ouch!

I have squatted, lunged, curled and lifted more than I can count. My legs are feeling the burn!

The burn began this past Friday when I took a spin class from the super motivational instructor, Kevin B. He was so motivational I kept pushing myself harder than I thought possible. My legs were BURNING during and after the spin class. It was a great class! Great cardio and great leg workout!

I decided to keep it easy over the weekend. I enjoyed a nice and easy (fat burning zone) 8.5 mile bike ride on the stationary bike. This was nice and easy to just warm up the muscles and do something.

Then Monday rolls around and my legs begin to quake! They do NOT know what they are in for, but they are going to get worked over like never before!

Monday I met with my trainer and she focused on legs/lower body. I did squats, lunges, curls and lifts. My legs were shaking… but I felt strong and in control.

The next morning I felt sore (but good sore). I decided to go back to the gym and do a bootcamp class. Little did I know that his full body circuit workout would really be focusing on those already sore leg muscles. Not one to slack on a good workout, I pushed myself to the fullest.

Now… wake up this morning (Wednesday) and my legs are crazy tight and sore. Not a painful sore or injury pain. But a Woman You Just Worked Out Your Legs CRAZY HARD the Past Two Days! kind of sore.

Walking up and down the stairs is a hoot. Heck, walking around the house is a hoot! My hamstrings and calves are what are killing me the most!

I have never regretted a great workout, and do not regret these workouts… but I am wondering what stretching moves I can do to help ease the tightness in my legs.