Stupidly overexerted my oh so weak muscles, how can I avoid being crippled tomorrow?

Justice

I went on a 15 mile hike with a lot of climbing up and climbing down to impress my in-laws. This was regrettably stupid. I am not in shape. I finished with a shit eating grin, but I have a bad feeling that I'm going to pay tomorrow. I can already feel everything tightening up. I tried sitting in the bath with ice water, which sucked, and then I took a warm shower. Advice, besides becoming my own man and not living to please others?

Aridhol

Human body don't care what you need to do tomorrow
Ice, heat, sleep, food.
Also, good incentive to just keep doing it and then you won't have this problem.

dispatch.o

Plan to take a hot shower in the morning and do some very light exercise afterwards. Very light being some cheater pushups and really dainty squats.

Though you might be surprised, humans are really well evolved to walk with efficiency, your legs will probably be mostly okay once you get moving. I'd be cautious about blisters maybe? Otherwise just take the elevator instead of the stairs for a day.

Edit: An NSAID like Ibuprofen will probably also help quite a bit. Take the recommended dose, taking extra won't really be beneficial.

Bedlam

Try to get up early and do some light exercise. Maybe a short walk. Once you get the acid out of your muscles you should be fine. And can take over the counter pain relievers for any further soreness. Eat a good breakfast and prepare a nice lunch and get plenty of fluids in you.

My feet hurt quite a bit from having to walk so much at work, but if I push myself and do some exercise after work it gets better once I break through the glass ceiling. Sure it still hurts sometimes but its nothing that cant be handled.

The pain will go away. You will do great :^:

CelestialBadger

The soreness is just muscle building itself. Hike more often! Get lean and strong.

ArbitraryDescriptor

Protein? I know the protein powder I used to use claimed that drinking a shake after a workout aided recovery by "this" much.

(but of course it would?)

CelestialBadger

ArbitraryDescriptor wrote: »

Protein? I know the protein powder I used to use claimed that drinking a shake after a workout aided recovery by "this" much.

(but of course it would?)

That means it builds more muscle, not that it’s less sore.

For sore muscles, take an Epsom salt bath.

Mayabird

I know it's a little late, but I recommend doing some stretches after doing strenuous exercise. People say to do stretches before, but I've never noticed any real difference from that. Doing stretches afterward though prevents a lot of soreness the next day, especially where the back and legs are concerned.