DOMS

[neoravencroft]

I know this might be strange to talk about in a MA forum, but I figure I'd give it a shot.

I'm trying to increase my stamina in sparring so I'm gonna be hitting the gym. Seeing as it's been a while since actually working out, I'm probably gonna get my fair share of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Sorenes).

For those of you that do this on a daily basis, do you have any tips that you could provide in easing the DOMS?

[Spodo Komodo]

Hydration, nutrition and stretching. Make sure you are on top of the first two and stretch well during cool down, gentle stretching on your sore days can help a little too.

Alternatively learn to love the burn.

[JR 137]

Proper cool down helps a lot. A lot of static stretching afterwards as well. Not stretching too far, but long sustained deep stretching.

Contrary to popular belief, muscle soreness is not caused by a build up of lactic acid; it's the inflammatory response itself. Where there's muscle damage (exercise is controlled muscle damage), there's inflammation.

When you're more sore than usual, one of the best things to do is light activity followed by stretching. Basically a warm up and stretch. Helps circulate

[hammer]

In my own experience, making sure I have "active" rest periods helps. Feel more sore when I'm not moving.