Does cardio improve or worsen muscle healing? Sometimes, I get sore for two days after strength training...?

Question

I usually do strength training on one day, then walking the next day, then cardio, then walking again, then one rest day, then strength training again and so on.

The day after weight lifting, I just take it easy and go for a walk but the next day, I have to do my aerobic (I use a stationary bike). Sometimes, I'm still sore from my strength training (I do weights every 5 days but I will force it a little every 15 days so I get sore).

I always take a day's rest before my strength training but I always wonder if I'm doing more good or bad when I do cardio when I'm still sore (the day after the day I do weights).

Am I doing more good because cardio improve circulation so my muscles can heal better or I am doing more bad because I should just let my muscle rest and heal?


I would appreciate any imput on this and I thank you all in advance if you have any comments.

Answer 1

You should always let your body have at least 24-48 hours per muscle group rest between weight sessions.

Ensure you warm up for at least 5 mins before exercise but more importantly after weight training and cardio strtch and cool down for at least 15 mins. This will ensure that you do not get the soreness the next day and the second day!!

Another tip is to increase your protein intake. Protein helps the muscle repair and heal. Hence bodybuilders who eat lots of meat!!

The soreness you have after weight training is the tiny tears you have caused in the muscle, the quickest way to repair those tears is to stretch after and ensure your body has enough protein to repair the muscle.

You should be fine to do light cardio on the days you are resting though!!

Answer 2

It depends on the intensity and fitness and duration. If your muscles hurt the next day, you know you did too much and need a day or two off. Many people who strength train everyday alternate the muscle groups so each muscle group is done every other day. Others only do strength training every other day. You can do cardio everyday if you are feeling well. You should work up gradually to heavier weights.

Answer 3

No not bad at all by working muscles doing cardo you are working the soreness out of them.

You are either trying to lift too much weight when lifting staining your muscles, or you are not doing your strength training enough. Should lift every other day. If you lay off too may days you are going to always be sore the next day.

Oops almost forgot: Don't forget to warm up before you start lifting. Not warming up good before you start lifting is another good way to be sore the next morning.

Answer 4

actually over time you won't feel the soreness even if you do cardio with your strength training
but if you feel its too much don't force it OK?

Answer 5

when your body sore, thats telling you that you are out of shape.. You need to work out constant other wise you'll be sore as you work out.. So, just try to work out every other day, or keep up with it...