Muscle soreness a couple of days after exercising?

[Anonymous]

Well, I've been trying to get into using weights, but after using them my arms (especially my biceps) have been quite sore for a couple of days. Since I've never really used weights, I can't really tell the difference between pain that just comes from being a beginner exerciser to actually damaging something.

I am able to lift my arms and stretch and stuff, but it does hurt quite a bit to do it (maybe a 3/10). But, what I'm wondering is, is it normal for it to hurt for a while and I should just work through it and my body will get used to, or have I pulled something and I should rest my arms before trying to use weights again?

[Adenn]

You will know the difference, or at least you should, when you experience both. To me, the pain of using muscles, that haven't been in a while is completely different than the pain of a hyper-extension or other damage. Typically for me some sort of damage ALWAYS hurts, it is usually also a very sharp pain. With simple muscle soreness it is a general ache with the occasional "oh shit that hurts a lot" if I move just right... usually after 3 - 4 days it goes away for me.

If it doesn't go away after 3 - 4 days or is a sharp intense pain you may have injured something and it would be good to have a doc check it out.

This is also why it is recommended that you switch up your exercises to allow recovery of your muscles. Arms on the first day, core the next, legs the next, repeat with a rest day in between.

Don't forget your cardio as well.

[Anonymous]

Pop a few advil and get back at it

[ceative__very]

yeah totally fine