I am 36, have started physical activity post a long layoff. I have started running and cycling alternatively. However, I have observed that my stomach becomes stiff and sometimes hurts post workout. Can someone advise?

5 comments

  2. I am a runner and when I do a hard run I can feel it in my entire core the next day. So my midsection, abs, etc feel tighter. Is that what you mean?

    Likely you are just going too hard for the long layoff and your body is just trying to adapt to what you want it to do. You can try starting out slower or with less intensity. When I got back at it 4 years ago I just focused on dropping the weight. Running especially is very weight sensitive. The leaner you get the easier running gets. So I focused on less intense activities for the first year. So hiking, walking, etc while fixing my diet to drop the weight. Then once I saw weight loss in decent amount I started to increase my cardio activity in time and intensity.

  3. How long are your runs/rides? Are you bringing water for anything over 45 minutes? Eating during anything over an hour?

  4. Is it stomach pains (ie, digestive issues) or muscle pains (ie, sore abs) in the stomach area?

    If you’ve had a long layoff from activity and have started running and cycling, I’m going to guess your “core” is pretty weak and those activities are going to work those muscles, resulting in Delayed Onset Muscles Soreness (DOMS). As you work out more regularly, your muscles will adapt, if this is what is causing the pain.

    If it’s digestive, it could be to do with what and how much you’re eating and/or drinking before activity. Certain foods take longer for our stomach to digest than others and can lead to digestive issues when consumed right before vigorous activity. Too much liquid can have a similar effect and it sloshes around your stomach as you move.

    Personally, I don’t like to eat for about 2 hours before activity, if I’m too full or too hungry, it’s not very comfortable. Finding a good routine of when to work out so you can time it with a meal, protein shake, whatever works best for your schedule and body.

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