[J.Aguilas]

Hey guys, thanks for looking at my post. I apologize in advance if it's too lengthy. Anyway, here is my situation:

When I was 16, I used to be in great shape, I worked out a lot, went to the gym for 2.5 hours everyday, ate right, etc... then... I went to college, started to drink like a maniac, never went to the gym, and didn't give a shit about my appetite: I ate anything I wanted.

I gained like 15 pounds, started to get flabby, couldn't run as much anymore, you know, generally out of shape.

So, that was just a little background info... here I am at age 20 now, and I want to get back into shape. My problem is this: A couple of days ago, I went to my local gym, got a new membership, and started to work out again. I knew I was going to get sore that night... but it was really bad, I mean REALLY bad. I was hurting all over... even in areas I didn't work on that much. Now, I'm going to the gym again tomorrow, but honestly, I'm just concerned I'm going to hurt myself. My arms are in a lot of pain, and it hurts to just move them. :/

My question: Is this normal? It's been 4.5 years since I last visited a gym, so if this level of soreness is normal, I'm OK with that, but if not, what do you guys think I should do? Also, I hear a lot about his "Whey Protein", which supposedly doesn't cause the burn during workouts... allowing more work... is this true, and will it help with my soreness?

Thanks. Again, I apologize for the length.

[Jayhawkk]

Yup it is normal. It's important you take it easy as you get back into the gym and pay attention to not hyperextending anything or overrotating etc. Warm up and lift small till the soreness goes away. that'll be several days but the important thing is to stay in the gym.

[lineman28790]

You have to love the soreness, I can go to the gym and lift like a fucking maniac, but as soon as i step foot on the football field and start conditioning and running, when i get home, i cant pick up my legs. sucks, but i guess you have to just love the pain.

[lithium_09]

If you're really that sore you shouldn't go tomorrow, or atleast take it light. Since I don't know exactly what you did i can't offer more help

[Mulletsoldier]

Baby steps bro, rushing into the gym from a long layoff is counterproductive and will have you headed for injury. Plan out a solid routine and ease yourself slowly back into it.