Aching body...

[Hogosha]

Ok i've just started TKD and have had 2 lessons. But after each lesson I have alot of aching in my back/sholders and some in my legs and arms. Is this normal? I haven't done anything really active for a while now and I'm wondering if thats why? Or is it just TKD is hard work? Keep in mind i'm only 15.

Thanks for any help.

[JusticeZero]

Yes, it's normal. Yes it's just because it's work. You adapt to it after a couple weeks.

[Hogosha]

Yes, it's normal. Yes it's just because it's work. You adapt to it after a couple weeks.

atleast it's a normal thing and not just happanening to me. i can carry on tkd in piece now thanks.

[steve57]

The muscle soreness that you are experiencing is quite normal. The cause of your discomfort is a result of lactic acid. It is a compound that forms in the cells as the end-product of glucose metabolism in the absence of oxygen.

The amount of soreness that you experience is a good guide to how hard you have worked during your workout. However,eventually as your body develops a tolerance towards lactic acid, this soreness will subside even after the most intense workouts.

Hope this helps you.

[Hogosha]

thanks for all your help. i love doing tkd and i thought i wasn't right for it because of this pain i had, atleast now i know it'll sort it's self out and i'll be able to keep at tkd.

[UsagiYojimbo]

As everyone's said, it's normal. You can do some stuff to minimize it, though. Make sure you stretch out at the end of each workout when your muscles are still warm. Drinking lots of water and soaking in a hot bath also helps me. Good luck!

[Grenadier]

Welcome to the world of martial arts. The pain that you're feeling is because you really didn't develop those muscles previously, and after 2-3 more weeks of regular training, your muscles are going to get stronger, and you'll be in better condition.

If the pain is really bothering you, then take a couple of ibuprofen tablets, to knock down the swelling as well. Naproxen also works well.

As long as it's not chronic, unbearable pain, think of it like this:

My old instructor says:

Pain is weakness leaving the body.

[Mr. Mike]

I get alot of that in my hips...I have to take it easy for a couple of weeks after it happens to let the pain subside a bit...keep in mind that I'm 30, overweight and working harder than I ever have, so the pain is going to be there. I go home after workouts and just throb...only thing that works is a hot bath, a massage, and patiently wait to do it all again.

[ncole_91]

The pain is good, then you know you worked really hard, and your muscles will then, become stronger.

[dtstiachi]

An aching body means you worked hard. Be careful though to listen to your body. There is no need to injure yourself. Congrats on starting TKD.