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1. Yes, stretch lots afterwards. It's all about lactic acid When you workout (lift weights), lots of lactic acid gets sent to your muscles to help them grow. However, if the lactic acid stays built up in there, you can get really sore. The more you stretch directly after your workout, the less sore you're likely to be the next day.
Okay, I guess I should definitely add in more stretching to my gymming routine. Like I said, Adrian stretches for AGES (for martial arts, I think) so maybe I will do it with him so I take my time. I get kind of impatient stretching, but I will take the time to do it.. especially after this last time, my legs are STILL sore (not so bad, though, I am going to the gym in about half an hour) 3 days later!

2. Drink LOTS of water. Again, all about flushing out the lactic acid.
Oooh, okay, I wouldn't have thought of this. I already know that I am not drinking enough water most days so I will make more of a conscious effort there too.
3. Make sure you're eating enough. Sore muscles are good (means they've been worked) but excessively sore muscles are sometimes a sign that they're starving.
Hrm, I dunno if I am eating enough. Does that mean maybe not enough protein if my muscles are so sore, or just any food? Maybe I should start calorie counting again.
4. Make sure you're getting enough sleep (to give your muscles some 'off time' and a chance to recover).
A lot of nights I get very little sleep, so I guess that could be one of my problems. Already working on this, but it's not easy!
5. Stay active in the days following your workout, but don't lift on really sore muscles. Cardio on off days, or just walking around, or yoga or whatever... is a great way to help flush out the lactic acid. If your muscles are still painfully sore though, take an extra day off from lifting to give them a bit more chance to recover.
Okie doke, will do.
6. Hot baths (or saunas or steams) are a good idea, however a BETTER idea is contrast showers (a few minutes hot then a few minutes cold) or anything else that makes your body go from hot to cold within the span of a few minutes. That really helps with recovery!
Ahh, Adrian does THAT too. Takes alternating hot and cold showers, or goes from the sauna into a cold shower - Brrrr! I thought he was just being crazy, but maybe I will give it a shot!

Anywho, thanks again Laurel! Like I said, I am off to the gym shortly today so I will make sure to stretch for longer and hopefully avoid these painful,stiff legs!

Cheers!
--Steph

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