When will I stop aching all the time??

[fluffythedragonslayer]

I've recently joined a gym. I need to sort out my physical and mental health, I'm overweight (but not obese anymore, yay) and very slowly losing weight through diet but I want to up my exercise and fitness.

Oh. My. Gosh. I have been doing a cross training class 3 times a week. I'm so unfit, it's brutal. I get through the class each time and feel so proud of myself, but... I ache. ALL the time. I don't ever seem to recover in between classes. Its embarrassing how unfit I am and how much this is affecting me. I did a class on Wednesday and this morning I still hurt!

I'm keen to keep going to the gym but, is this just how it's gonna be for me now? I'm just gonna hurt all the time??

It will, I promise. I asked my PT the question when I first started. Now I welcome any aches I get. You will get used to it.

My PT told me to have freezing cold baths to relieve the aches. Think I'd rather ache.

Do you move much between the classes (e.g. walking)? That’ll make a big difference - if I’m inactive the day after a class, I ache so much more for the next few days.

Well done on your progress! Keep going and you’ll find it gets easier.

No, it’ll get better. Just watch out for any actual pain, which could be a sign you are pushing too hard. If it gets really uncomfortable try replacing a class with a swim for a bit.

Epsom salt Baths are good and cheap
Gentle yoga might help you stretch out.

I walk loads as I don't have a car, I average 12-15000 steps every day.

I just ache so much 😂 dreading the early morning class tomorrow!

Ps I can't swim 🙈

Stretch, stretch, stretch after each class. And stretch for much longer than you might stretch in a class "cool down". After an hour's exercise, I stretch for 15 to 20 minutes, including rolling out my quads, calves & IT band. If I've worked really hard, I then spend 10 minutes in my gym sauna.

Also what about adding some mobility drills in the days when you're not doing a cross training class. You could do 20 minutes of Yoga with Adriene, for example. Or the wonderful & weird drills that @steph.rose.phase6 posts on Instagram or YouTube - they look hard, but if you pick the right ones, they're about mobility & flow.