[Jbl347]

If one muscle group is sore such as my calves should I rest the next day?

[ripock]

Originally Posted by Jbl347

If one muscle group is sore such as my calves should I rest the next day?

It depends (don't you love that old chestnut?). If you're isolating muscles and strategically overworking them for hypertrophy, then some recovery is in order. On the other hand, I do a lot of sub-maximal, high rep sets with kettlebells. In my case if my hamstrings are sore and I rest them, then they will just get sore again. If, however, I work through the soreness, it seems to inure the muscle to the workload.

Also, it depends on what muscles we're talking about since some muscles are hardier than others because of their nature or because of your training history.

[denmother]

I workout 6 days per week, 3 Weight Training, 2 Intervals and 1 Active Recovery. If muscles are sore, I stretch and foam roll them before my workout and after. A Epsom Salt bath and Ben Gay afterwards can help as well.

[Canada_K]

Five hours worth.

[Magic Wonder425]

Try some light stretching in your down time and flex your ankles around to get movement in the calves. Usually I find the next workout alleviates soreness more than taking a day off.

As for workout frequency, there's only what works for you. If it helps you stay consistent, complements your schedule, and you like it then that's what matters most.

[kbella]

I agree with everything above- 5 hours a week.
I like 3 of those to be weights.
The others are a mix of intervals, walking, biking, yoga, and dancing.

If I am sore anywhere from a 1-6 level (1 being nothing, 10 being I can't move w/w gasping) I stretch, foam roll, and get on with it.

If I am in the 7-10 range, say it hurts to sit on the toilet, I may put off resistance training and do a long walk or warmed up stretching session instead.

Also, taking BCAAs during or after your workout usually helps.