Starting exercising and starting to HURT.....normal?

[SilverLining]

I need to seriously lose weight. I've started weightwatchers & have embarked on a walking/running programme. So far so good BUT I've started getting a really sore pain in my lower abdomen - like a dragging pain. Could this be my body isn't used to such exercise and is resisting?? Excess weight?? Something else??

Knew it was hazardous business doing something energetic.....

SL

[carocaro]

try and keep you tummy button pulled to your spine when doing all excecise good posture is important, and don't run before you can fast walk!

[malinois]

It is likely to be DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). It is normal and harmless. It usually kicks in the day after starting a new exercise regime and peaks 72 hours later. The good news is that if you carry on exercising it will never come back :)

If you start doing weights you will find that you will have catastrophic DOMS the first time and be barely able to straighten your arms - but it only happens once - unless you take a few weeks break, in which case you have to go through it all over again.

[fishie]

yes and if you are starting to run you will likely feel a bit of post-exercise pain in the front of the shin (from lifting your feet), in your buttocks (from striding) and possibly in the muscles above your knee (because they need to strengthen up). But anything more than a bit of aching muscle then give it a rest for a few days. And stretch afterwards, esp hamstrings.

[nametapes]

tbh it may be the weight on your tum (forgive me saying). I am a fitness instructor for many years but now at 52 i have weight on my tum which bobbles about with active exercise sadly. If you and your body are not used to running/jogging take it easy, build up gradually bit by bit each week. Hold in your tummy really tight and tense it when jogging as much as you can. This may helpp, but give it time..... the first few weeks/months are always hard. you might find a tummy belt /support bandage there helpful.
If soon, you find running causing pain, then just do walking/swimming/cycling, crosstrainer machine (no impact) in the gym or whatever exercise you find you can tolerate most. Swim or cycle might suit you better as its no impact too.

[nametapes]

Stretches to stretch out sore tummy muscles:
Stand tall, feet apart and raise both arms high over head , clasp hands together and make your torso as long as possible. Hold for 20 secs.
Lie flat on back on floor, stretch arms over head on floor and point your toes. Create as much length as poss between your fingers and toes. Hold 20 secs.>>

[twotesttickles]

Actually worth checking - you don't have a hernia do you? (if you have a lump which disappears when you cough, or when you lie down, you should see a GP.)

I find my long muscles really hurt when I first workout after a long break (arm muscles, leg muscles, shoulders etc.) but my stomach is fine.