How long should aches and pains after gym last?

[kid]

How long is it 'normal' to ache for?
I do 2 gym sessions and 1 exercise class a week and its takes me the full week to recover!

I did a skipping class and did damage to my leg, I couldn't go back to that class after that as it was just too painful. I mean 2 weeks on and my ankles/shins are still causing me agony.

My last class was on Thursday and was a lot of weights, sit-ups and push-ups. My back and arms are very sore and the muscles are very tight. I got DS to massage me yesterday and it has eased the pain a bit and I have more movement with my arms since.

I am due to go gym tomorrow but my ankles, shins, arms and back are still quite sore. I do want to go gym, but what can I do to minimise any more damage?
Or maybe this pain is normal?

No that sounds like too much to me.

I've recently joined a gym so I'm not super fit, and I only ache for a day or 2 max, and it's a sort of good ache - I feel proud.

I did one class though and basically couldn't straighten my arms for several days because my shameful biceps hurt so much. I've decided not to do that class again until I've increased my strength, because I don't want to injure myself and lose several days of exercise each week!

Thanks for your reply.
I've been going to the gym for approx 9 weeks now, yesterday was the first session I have missed and it was partly due to pain but also because the clocks going forward messed up my body clock.

The pain I am feeling is defintely not a good ache. Even lifting the plates to put in the cupboard is an effort and ironing is difficult too not that I need much persuasion not to iron lol

I did try and get a Drs appt about the pain in my ankles and shins but I didn't get through after 1/2 hour so I gave up.
I assume the damage can't be that bad as I can still walk and I am the worlds biggest baby.

I sometimes get aches that last up to three days if I've overdone the weights.

I'd go to the gym tomorrow, but just do cardio stuff - cross trainer with light resistance, treadmill etc. Think of it as a recovery session and don't push it too hard. Sometimes I find this can help the aches.

When you go back to weights, drop either the weights, or the repetitions (or a bit of both) and increase more slowly.

I'd just take another day or two to relax, get some walking done too. Then go back when you are ready.

I've had a bit of time off due to aforementioned arm injury and now a very heavy period which always writes off a day or three

But I can't wait to get back, I've really noticed a fall in mood since not going - I think I'm hooked on the endorphins released by exercising :)

I did go gym tonight and stuck with the treadmill. I did an interval programme with gentle flat walk/fast inclined walk. I could feel the pain in my ankles but it wasn't unbearable and I was able to continue. I didn't the weights but did do sets of sit-ups and I think that was as much as I could do tonight.

Next class is on Thursday and for some reason, I'm looking forward to it

Do you stretch before and after working-out and do a proper warm-up? What about your trainers, are they fit for the job?

I'm by no means a fitness expert, but I exercise around 4 times a week (sometimes more) and never ache in the way you describe.

I warm up then stretch when I use the gym and I do the cool down and stretch at the end. But when i go to the class we all do a warm up together but no stretches.
On Thursday, I'll get there a bit earlier so I can do my own set of stretches before we start.
I am also going to see the dr so they can check everything is ok. The pain in my ankles is still there, I can't move my ankle freely without pain, it also clicks when I move it. If I cross my legs or put pressure on them, I get pins and needles quite quickly. These all sound wrong to me but as I am still able to walk, I assume it's nothing major.

I was surprised that I got through to the dr today and even more surprised that they saw me within 1/2 hour.
I've got inflammation of the soft tissue around my ankle.
I can still go gym but I have to do extra stretches plus avoid anything which is high impact such as the skipping (which caused the problem in the first place). I've got to take painkillers 3 times a day for 2 weeks and it should be completely back to normal by then.

Don't do static stretches before exercising, only afterwards, you can actually do more harm than good that way. I would also go to a specialist running shop and get your shoes checked to see that they are suitable for what you are doing-good ones won't give you the hard sell.....

I would also lower weights and maybe do a set less until you are feeling in less pain after weights sessions as Butterbur said.