Do I need to feel sore after working out?

Question

I have an eliptical at home that I use, but it doesn't make me sore afterwards---in fact, I just feel out of breath and really sweaty. I could turn it up to the next level but then I can only do it for maybe 15 minutes. But everytime I do Tae-Bo or Pilates I feel sore for about 2 days. So, which is giving me the better workout? Should I feel stiff and sore the next day?

Answer 1

You only feel sore if you're activating muscles you don't normally use. Everyone feels sore after a work out if they have not worked out for a while. For instance if a person who hasn't worked out, started to jog in the morning, they'll probably be sore the first week. After wards, their muscles have adapted and they are no longer sore. However if they do something new (riding a bike, swimming, etc.) and it is fairly intense they are activating different muscles groups which were not necessarily needed for the previous activity. Thus, this person may become sore again from the new exercise.

It's always good to switch up your routine in order to "shock" your muscles and keep you from getting into a plateu.

Answer 2

sorness is no indicator of progress. I've gone through the same think, I lift/run often enough that I don't get sore any more, I was worried about it at first because I thought I wasn't doing any good, but that's not the case. Your leg muscles are simply used to the elliptical, you are still doing the same amount of good. Not to mention the elliptical is a low impact exercise, it's meant to do no damage to your body, if you went on a good hard run I bet you would have trouble getting out of bed the next day. and if you do you tae bo every other day for a month you won't be sore from that either.

Answer 3

The elliptical is providing aerobic/cardio exercise. You need to get your heart rate to at least 120 beats per minute for at least twenty minutes for best results. You probably won't feel sore after this. The other exercises you are doing are working muscles, and when muscles break down some soreness will occur.If it is extremely painful you may have strained or injured the muscle, but normal minor soreness is normal and in fact a good thing. You should continue both workouts as both are beneficial, but in different ways.

Answer 4

You feel sore if you don't get the lactic acid out that builds up after you exercise. You should probably stretch more and cool down after pilates. They are both different types of excercise. Pilates is aerobic, so that makes it differetn from the eliptical. Just use the one that makes you feel better. I know i got a good workout in when i feel tired, but refreshed. Its up to you. Youre building muscle either way.

Answer 5

Some soreness is good and indicates that you are challenging your muscles enough to get the best workout possible. however, excessive soreness to the point where it interferes with daily life and makes you completely exhausted is too much and usually means you are either working too hard for your own personal fitness level or you just haven't been giving yourself a break. its good to take a break from all exercise at least once a week to prevent over-training, injury and exhaustion. your body will always tell you when too much is too much so just be sure to listen and then make your decision from there.

Answer 6

Yea, but you need to get to know your body to know when "sore" is actually too sore, meaning that you've over-trained. It's called DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) and it can last up to 2 days after working out. Contrary to popular belief it is not caused a buildup of lactic acid because LA dissipates rather quickly. DOMS is caused by the breakdown of muscle fibers that occurs after exercise.

I think that I gave too much info but I hope that this helps. :-)

Answer 7

i always use the eliiptical i've never felt soar and I use it for about 30-45 mins you sweat a lot and feel out of breath but that's all you need to lose the weight certain workouts mostly in weights thats when you feel soar