Muscle Stiffness

[SimonM]

So after a long time out I finally got back to starting a heavy workout regimen about a month back. I've been doing really well and having great progress but, when I'm not actively exercising, I've been getting some pretty heavy stiffness particularly in my elbows, shoulders and neck (it generally goes away quickly once I get into my daily routine).

Any suggestions for remedies / stretching routines / etc. to deal with this?

[sanjuro_ronin]

Keep moving, massage and foam rolling but personally I find that keeping active in a less intense manner, works wonders AND helps recovery.
Yoga, swimming, going through forms in a smooth and not ballistic way, etc.

[SimonM]

You're awesome sometimes SR.

I say: I'm feeling muscle pain when not working out.

Your answer: Work out more but make some of it slightly lower intensity.

Glad to see you're still around the forums. You still in Canada?

[sanjuro_ronin]

You're awesome sometimes SR.

I say: I'm feeling muscle pain when not working out.

Your answer: Work out more but make some of it slightly lower intensity.

Glad to see you're still around the forums. You still in Canada?

Yeah, handling the 36 C weather + humidity that brings it to, oh about 200 C, LOL !

Whenever I feel overly sore or stiff, I run through which ever "sanchin" I am in the mood for and do the Iron Wire form and I am good as gold.

[SimonM]

You can bet iron wire has been part of my routine.

[sanjuro_ronin]

You can bet iron wire has been part of my routine.

It works on so many levels:
Strength building
Flushing the system of lactic acid
Increase of blood flow
etc.

Depending on what you want to focus on.
I can "rush" it in about 7 min or kill myself for 20 min.
Typically I run about 12-15 min.

[Scott R. Brown]

Piddling around in the pool is one of the best recovery methods. It doesn't have to be a swim workout. Just light moving around for 15-20 minutes is fine. Even playing with the kids works pretty well.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Piddling around in the pool is one of the best recovery methods. It doesn't have to be a swim workout. Just light moving around for 15-20 minutes is fine. Even playing with the kids works pretty well.

Yep, the temperature of the water and the "just right" resistance is perfect for that.

[SimonM]

Now that my new tattoo has healed I'll probably be heading back to the pool ASAP. Not tonight, got a book launch to hit up so my workout will be a little rushed... but maybe tomorrow night.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[David Jamieson]

Besides the other mentions, meditation with visualization on the problem area.

If it persists, seek out an expert in Tui Na. I can pretty much guarantee that tui na will totally work on whatever skeletal muscular problems you may be having as far as soreness goes.

[Hebrew Hammer]

So after a long time out I finally got back to starting a heavy workout regimen about a month back. I've been doing really well and having great progress but, when I'm not actively exercising, I've been getting some pretty heavy stiffness particularly in my elbows, shoulders and neck (it generally goes away quickly once I get into my daily routine).

Any suggestions for remedies / stretching routines / etc. to deal with this?

Questions...by stiffness do you mean soreness or pain? It could be inflamation or swelling in your joints. Every area you describe is some sort of joint as opposed to particular muscles or muscle groups...it may also be the onset of arthritis. You might want to check out a sports medicine specialist. Two you may just be working out too hard too soon...more rest and step it down a notch or two...your body needs to recover.

Are you doing stretching before or after your routine? If you aren't I'd spend a good 15-20 mins stretching out the stiff (hehe I said stiff) areas.

[mickey]

Greetings,

SimonM, you are not too specific about what you are doing.

You may really need a cool down routine that can consists of gentle, static, stretches and soft movements. How are you nourishing yourself afterwards? Are you hydrating yourself well?

If you are feeling this consistently you may want to take it down a notch. Overzealousness about the return to training can be the monkey wrench to injury.

My sense on the matter.

mickey

[IronFist]

Fish oil?

Message too short.

[SteveLau]

SimonM,

You probably have some slow onset muscle strains. Examine your life style on a whole, including your postures, amount of rest, and nutrition. Reduce your exercise work load in workout volume per session and intensity might help. Also, stretching before and after rigorous exercises is a must. You feel pain when you are not actively exercising is probably because your nymphs and blood are flowing slowly, and thus the pain from the injury surfaces.




Regards,

KC
Hong Kong

[IronFist]

SimonM,

You probably have some slow onset muscle strains. Examine your life style on a whole, including your postures, amount of rest, and nutrition. Reduce your exercise work load in workout volume per session and intensity might help. Also, stretching before and after rigorous exercises is a must. You feel pain when you are not actively exercising is probably because your nymphs and blood are flowing slowly, and thus the pain from the injury surfaces.




Regards,

KC
Hong Kong

I would like to train where he trains