Fat Guy on a Diet » I can’t move my arms….

Oct 08 2008

I can’t move my arms….

This is probably the first week that I’ve really ramped up and pushed myself at the gym. I’m actually starting to wonder if I might be pushing myself too much. Yesterday, the day after I did my upper body exercise, I was aching, but not too bad. Today, I can barely lift my arm to shoulder level, and going higher than that is almost excruciating. Nothing I did Monday seemed to be all that difficult to pull off, so I’m really wondering why I’m now feeling the real burn. I’m also wondering if my legs are going to break out into pain tomorrow. I really don’t want to reduce the levels that I’m currently working, but at the same time, I don’t want to be in pain for days afterwards. I feel the weights I’m working with are just about right for what I need to work. Perhaps after a few trips, I’ll be doing much better…. I’m also wondering if using my arms with the elliptical last night might have not allowed them to fully rest. By that idea, I wonder if doing a treadmill after a leg workout is just as bad!? Tonight, I was planning to work my torso, aiming for the abs and back… instead, I might just jump into the pool with some water weights and do that for an hour.

Joanna

Congrats! You’re entering the realm of weight lifting. You are super sore right now because you’ve never done weight-lifting before. You’re using muscles you’ve never used before. It will get better. Definitely keep at it. Since you did weights yesterday and your upper body is still really sore, it may not be a bad idea to go swimming today. Then, you can hit your back/abs tomorrow. Make sure you stretch out your arms, though, even if it hurts. It will help you heal.

It certainly could be that the elliptical machine worked the arms, too. Once your body is used to the elliptical machine and the treadmill, though, it will become cardio rather than hurting your muscles. Sometimes, the muscle pain does skip a day. You’ll do upper body weights, feel ok the next day, and then feel the pain the day after. It’s not unusual – especially if you’re lifting the weights later in the day.

I would stick with what you’re doing. Treadmill after leg weights should be fine. And, elliptical after arm weights should be fine, too. Just give yourself enough rest between weights sessions. Since your upper body is blitzed right now, a cardio day might be in order. You may not want to add back/ab pain into the mix right now. (Although, I’ve done it. It does suck, but you will get through it). The most important thing is to keep active. Do something. Otherwise, you won’t get over the initial hump. Keep up the awesome work!