Pain in muscles after exercise. Carry on or let it ease off?

[Hurr1cane]

I'm a newby to exercise. I haven't really needed it because I'm very active running around after my DS but I decided to tone up a bit so I've just started the T25 and have done it for 2 days.

I can't move.

My legs feel like they've totally given up and I'm waddling about like a duck.

Should I do the T25 again today like it says (5 days on then rest) or should I take one of the days off today to let them heal a bit?

If your muscles hurt after exercise it can be due to:

Lack of warm up warm down

Not enough water

Intensity is too high - they should feel mildly sore but not painful. If it is the latter then you've overdone it and need to lower intesity and build up to it.

Unless it's an injury I tend to carry on. I eat a bit more protein to help them recover.

Can you go out anyway but fast walk instead of running?

ahahaha yes. T25 sounds hard if it's anything like Insanity. It sounds like your muscles are just protesting - I'd really advise that you stretch as much as possible today, get plenty of water (and protein - you don't need to eat MORE just a higher proportion of protein in what you eat), and to do a different exercise routine today.

Do a pilates video on youtube (blogilates have loads) or some sort of light cardio routine. 30 day shred level 1 should be light enough.

That way you are still moving, but at a much lower intensity. You don't want to do anything too extreme today otherwise it might end up leading to injury, and you certainly won't be getting the most out of the workout.

I second the protein

Keep moving is the best thing. I see a PT weekly, and almost without fail am stiff and achey for a couple of days afterwards - he beasts me! The best thing is to keep moving - sitting still is the worst. Depending on how hardcore you're feeling, you could try the routine again (but just do it at a more comfortable pace), or something less strenuous, but I think the point of these things is to WORK HARD for the period, then rest. It'll be a shock to your muscles, but they'll cope (as long as you're not injured).

Thanks everyone. Maybe I'll try it later but just follow the moderated bit. I don't really eat much protein because I'm vegetarian and I don't eat eggs. I don't eat a lot in general but I've put on a bit over the past few months because what I have been eating is crap.

I'm 5"7 and size 10/12 so I'm alright I think (I don't weigh myself because I start getting unhealthily obsessed which is why I'm going careful now and just going with how I look in the mirror instead)

I just want a flattish stomach and tonedish legs like I used to have when I chased DS around everyday before he went to special needs sports clubs meaning I spend most of the time sitting and watching him