Always stiff or sore

[Anonymous]

I use to really like the initial soreness after a workout. It would last 2-3 days but decrease in duration and intensity the more fit I was. In my late 40s, it never gets better. Even weeks after starting a new program or schedule feels just the same as day 1. Is this just what it’s like from now on? Is it about muscle loss?

[Anonymous]

Try daily stretching even on rest days. I do mine first thing in the AM whether or not I'm working out or not.

Are you hydrated?

What type if workouts are you doing? If it is intense, try a small protein/whey drink.

On a side note, do you have good posture when working out? Good sneakers?

[Anonymous]

I'm 47 and a daily exerciser (4x/week runner, 3x/week lifter) and honestly, something always hurts. It's never major, but I can't honestly say I wake up any morning and feel amazing.

I'm stretching more, doing more foam rolling, and I have this amazing massager pillow-type thing with lacrosse-type balls inside it that i use some nights when I'm really sore.
https://www.amazon.com/Vibration-Vibrating-Versatile-Shoulders-Lightweight/dp/B00NWQIN7Q

[Anonymous]

I'm 52 and lift heavy. After taking a couple of years off, I came to realize that I'm going to be sore and have something hurting when I get up in the morning either way. When I'm working out, at least I know why.

Also, re: muscle loss -- I have way more muscle mass in my 50s than at any other time in my life. It's definitely possible if you're patient and consistent in training.

[Anonymous]

Take Magnesium

[Anonymous]

Thank you. I guess this is just the way it is now. I do take magnesium but I never stretch. I seem to be very prone to tendinitis now all over and always on the verge of an injury so exercise isn’t fun anymore. It’s frustrating. I previously enjoyed a lot of endurance sports and lifting. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I'm 41 and exercise daily and have started to notice this. I also notice cracking/soreness in my joints. Good times!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you. I guess this is just the way it is now. I do take magnesium but I never stretch. I seem to be very prone to tendinitis now all over and always on the verge of an injury so exercise isn’t fun anymore. It’s frustrating. I previously enjoyed a lot of endurance sports and lifting. Thank you.

I would maybe consider yoga. I know it's kind of boring/slow but it really does feel good. It feels like post-yoga is the only time my body feels good anymore to be honest.

[Anonymous]

You probably don't have these particular type of resources but professional athletes usually do ice baths right immediately after working out. This accelerates the "muscle repair" stage and decreases the soreness afterwards. Of course, your age is the main contributing factor of slow recovery and ice baths are merely a tool and not the cure.

[Anonymous]

A former professional basketball player who trains my kid recently became a vegan and says it's really helped his joints feel better. I'm considering cutting way down on animal products after reading some research on this.

[Anonymous]

How are your Vitamin D levels, OP? I get achy and stiff when mine get low. I take Vit D and a magnesium tablet daily. I am 51 and run four times a week.

[Anonymous]

^^ Forgot to add: Vit D levels decrease in the winter. Low sun in sky, less sun exposure. It's important to get your Vit D Dec.-March!^^

[Anonymous]

I had the same problem despite trying to optimize everything (healthy diet with lots of fruits, veg, and high protein intake, stretching, foam roller, vitamin D supplements for vit D deficiency). For me a collagen supplement has helped a lot. I use Zint on Amazon, a half scoop before and/or after exercise. I try not to use too much at once, and I try to have it with some food to improve absorption.

[Anonymous]

I take collagen every day but I’m sure my D is low, thank you. My doctor told me to supplement and after a couple weeks, I forgot all about it.

I’ll force myself to do some yoga too, thanks.

[Anonymous]

When I was lifting a lot more than I am now, I would drink a BCAA amino acids drink while working out and it would help with soreness. I like Xtend brand; you just mix it with water. The taste isn’t terrible.