Should you always feel sore after your practice?

I'm with Syd, if you aren't sore, you didnt train hard enough.

Hate to disagree, but I don't ever want to be sore after training. After a race that would be Okay.

I've been swimming masters since 2000, there are still days when I'm sore. Depends on the workout and how I'm doing it (especially after a kick set of 10x100 on 2:00). If I change my free stroke one day, then I'll be sore until my body gets used to it. I'm sure it's just your body getting it's muscles up and working. To me, being sore is a good sign. Alison

feeling sore is normal, I train approx 20 to 25k a week right now, and pretty much after each practice arms and shoulders are sore, especially if we do alot of sprint work or alot of stroke.

You mean to tell me it doesn't start for you all when you wake up and get out of bed? Not sure I know what lack of pain/soreness feels like anymore! :cane:

I am on my 7th week of swimming. I am up to 4 times a week for 70 mins. I feel great. The inches are coming off and my endurance and strokes have improved. But it seems I am always sore somewhere, whether it be my triceps, back, legs etc. I know I am overweight and getting into shape but boy there is not a day that goes by that I am not sore ( not in a bad way I don't think, other than my knees can be sore) So those of you who have been swimming much longer than me, are you always sore to? Does this mean I am out of shape or just getting a good workout? People who don't swim and hear that I am sore really don't believe me. I guess they think I am leisurely swimming the pool, not getting the awesome workout I am. Cheers Katie Kathy it will probably ease...and then you'll feel bore of a dull ache through your shoulders and thighs after workout...well at least that's what I get. I don't get the pains I got from lifting; although if you do a lot of very fast work you might get more pain. I forget how long and to what extent you've been inactive up until swimming. this thread reminds me of the joke: "Do you smoke after sex?" "I dunno, I haven't looked!"

My muscles don't feel so much sore as fatigued the day after. The people at work have no idea what you're putting yourself through, lol. Wait until you tell them you're swimming in a meet...their heads will spin. (Half of them will think you're delusional, the other half will admire your guts.)

Thanks everyone. I know it is a good sore. I just was surprised at how sore I am. Thankfully not my shoulders. I guess with time and weightloss it should get better. Barb I think you are right. No one really gets what we are putting our bodies through. Much more than they can imagine. My G/F who I worked out with until I started swimming was away on course last week. The gym was horrible but they had a pool. She decided to swim as she knew I was doing that. She made 10 laps ( not 25 metres) and said she had to stop as she was dying. She had no idea the cardio was so hard. She had a better appreciation for my efforts LOL Swimstud once again you crack me:laugh2:. Alison wow 7 years with the masters. That is awesome. I hope I am swimming 7 years from now Katie

The flip side of the friend thing is that you'll have some who will be so happy for you and amazed at what you're doing. I have a few that want to come watch me swim in a meet as they think it's so neat. Some people get it. My daughter's swim teacher (23 years old) thinks that I'm incredible for starting out at nothing and keeping at it. He thinks that a year is a long time to work at a goal (ah youth!). I think it changed the way he looks at 43 year old suburban moms, including his own.

That is sooooooooooo true Barb. It is cool what you are doing and so many here are doing. I am 41 and last year battled my cancer and my daughters RP diagnosis. It just shows that you can keep on going and that you can change your life for the better no matter what age. Hey if we are roll models that is wonderful. I do have some friends who think it is great. It is week 7 and I am getting some people noticing my pants are getting looser. We shall see what they say 8 months from now. I have other friends who think I am crazy ( I dont know maybe they are jealous or just cannot think out of their comfort box) But I guess sore muscles are all good when you know that they are shrinking. Katie