When your body speaks to you...

I'm the type of person that thrives off constantly being busy and am a very active person. This is what makes rest days and resting in general such a struggle for me, but sometimes our bodies will tell us 'enough's enough' and it's so very important we listen up when it does!! This happened to me last night 20 minutes into a bootcamp that I attend 2/3 times a week, I did something I NEVER do, I left. My leg's were suffering from DOM's from my leg session that morning and my body just wasn't listening to my head, it was telling me I needed to rest up. I am very self critical, so this frustrated the hell out of me all night, it's always easier to take someone else's advice over our own. I stress the importance of giving your muscles time to build and repair, yet find it difficult doing so myself.

I woke up this morning and my DOM's were just as bad as yesterday, but I do find going for a walk or light jog helps to alleviate them. Having said this, I got dressed and headed (slowly) to the gym ready for a back, shoulders and abs session, I then spent a while stretching, concentrating more on my legs. This afternoon I feel a lot better and my DOM's have eased up a LOT, Hallelujah!!! I have also spent most of the day so far getting some work done while sprawled on the sofa, so I feel a lot more relaxed and rested.

Recommendations from my own experiences of DOM's:

*Spend time stretching, concentrating on whichever muscles are sore (it may hurt at the time but it will feel a whole lot better the day after).

*Go for a walk or light jog (ensure oxygen circulation to the muscles).

*Avoid sitting down for long periods of time because once you get up you will feel all sorts of soreness (you will seize up).

*Soak in a hot bath (helps to relax the muscles).

*If you are lucky enough to afford it, have a sports massage now and again.

*If you aren't lucky enough to afford a massage, then try this.....

THE FOAM ROLLER....

This is the cheaper version of a massage, it does a similar job to a massage when used correctly. If I am suffering that badly, I will take 10 minutes out of my morning to foam roll, and I must say, I feel a difference immediately afterwards. Most gym's have these available to use, if your gym hasn't, then you can get them pretty cheaply online.

If we ignore our body when it tries telling us to rest up, then we risk injury, delaying progress and restoration of the muscles. When reading that back, does it really sound worth it? I think NOT!! So be sensible guys and girls and think long term instead of short term. Gains are made over time, NOT overnight, remember that!!