Not sore, but ACHE so bad! Why?

Dancing Paws started this discussion · 4/6/2011

I've never done a bike machine before, but I wanted to target my quads, butt, and hips for strength, so I tried one yesterday. I used the lowest setting, since I am new to it, and only did it for about 20 minutes. I stretched for a good while afterwards. That evening I wasn't sore, but my lower body ached so bad. I had to lay with my heated blanket on me as a heating pad just to get the aching to stop. Everytime my muscles cooled off, I'd ache again. Today I am better, but I am not really sore either. The best way I can describe the aching is that is was like growing pains, or if you swim in a pool after not having swam in years. What is the deal? I can't figure out why I didn't get sore, but I ached so bad all night.

13 replies

KristiEllKay · 4/7/2011
I work at a spa, and what you're talking about sounds a lot like what can happen after a good deep tissue massage (which mimics working out in some ways, as far as your muscles are concerned). A lot of times, when knots get worked out and/or when muscles are used more than they have been before, they release a lot of lactic acid (what my boss calls "cell poop" lol), which gives you that achy feeling. Also, staying hydrated is key. Drink lots of water; it'll help flush the lactic acid and whatever else you have built up in there out of your system. Taking a relaxing bath might help, too, because your body will absorb a small amount of water by doing so. Mostly though, just drink lots and lots of water. =/
LoneStarDiva · 4/9/2011
Absolutely correct. I was a massage therapist for several years and if you will exercise a little MORE (same muscle group that's sore) it will somewhat halt the lactic acid 'burn'.
Dancing Paws · 4/9/2011
It wasn't a burn at all. It wasn't like normal sore muscles. It was a throbbing ache all down my lower body. It wasn't the normal stiffness you get after exercising. I drank a ton of water, so that shouldn't have been a problem.
LoneStarDiva · 4/9/2011
Okay. Actually, the way you described it in your first post, I was thinking how it reminded me of the pain from fibromyalgia. It's not the skin, not deep in the muscles - it always seems somewhere in between. About the only thing that helps (aside from pain killers) is a hot tub. And that would only relieve it for a little while. Maybe your posture was slightly 'off'' during your biking. Back pain is funny (not ha ha funny). Sometimes a pulled muscle can feel like you're paralyzed and/or seriously damaged something important. Hope you get to feeling better - most likely you will. It'll just take a few days.
Veena · 4/9/2011
Pretty sure its a normal thing KaeliColette. The same feeling happens to me on days where I have done a lot of walking, like at a zoo or museum. My muscles don't hurt but I just ache all over (like growing pains) 🌸
Dancing Paws · 4/9/2011
I hope it's just that simple. I know I didn't overwork my muscles, but oh lord I would have preferred being super sore than going though that. At least I figured out the blanket thing so I could get to sleep, and I felt perfectly normal in the morning! :D Thanks for your input guys. I appreciate it.
PoleNerd · 4/10/2011
Where exactly is the aching? It may be pinched nerves, like your sciatic nerve. I sometimes get it after walking in heels all day, which throws my body out of alignment -- so achy and uncomfortable! Stretching and heat help, but only time will really heal.
Dancing Paws · 4/10/2011
It was from the top of my butt, down the backs of my legs & the front of my quads with aching in the knees and ankles
Dancing Paws · 4/10/2011
It was from the top of my butt, down the backs of my legs & the front of my quads with aching in the knees and ankles
NicciWink · 4/13/2011
Try Magnesium tablets. My Chiropractor recommended them for "pole soreness/aches". I take 1-3 tablets before bed when I have had a good work out, & no pain in the morning!
susiew · 4/15/2011
I have a pain at the top of my leg from swinging my leg a little to hard to invert and its aches now and again it feels like i need to click my leg if that makes since - problem is its starting to affect my pole as it hurts doing some moves - can any one recommend anything
PoleNerd · 4/15/2011
Are you still experiencing pain or discomfort? I still think it could be from pressure on your sciatic nerve. Your butt area probably experienced awkward pressure and friction from the bike seat (hehe). There are many stretches you can do that will alleviate lower back and sciatic pain. Here is an example of one that I've used and it's helped: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqvXv1Lb9xE&feature=related Sadly I'm not a doctor, but that is my guess. For muscle pain, those magnesium tablets sound interesting. . .I'll have to try them.
Dancing Paws · 4/15/2011
I stopped aching the next morning honestly. It was sooo weird.