Should I train on aching muscles?

We're all familiar with the ache of the previous day's workout. It can be difficult to know whether to push through this pain or whether to take some time to allow yourself to recover. 

The first thing to say is make sure that you warm up, warm down and stretch! If you're reading this article, it may be too late for you, but warming up before a workout and warming down and stretching afterwards are crucial to prevent injury and reduce lactic acid build-up. If you do feel an ache, try warming up gently as this may ease the ache and allow you to proceed with the workout. 

If after warming up, you are very much aching and don't have full range of motion I wouldn't train - you'd be better off doing core, upper body, steady state cardio or just having a day off. Depending on how you feel, you could substitute your workout for one that isn't working the aching muscles. Alternatively, if you're schedule allows, you could continue with your workout, safe in the knowledge that you can then take a few days to recover. 

You also want to factor in whether you are experiencing aching muscles or overall fatigue. You won't directly damage your muscles by continuing to train on aching muscles, the harm would come either from driving yourself into fatigue. or working tired muscles through movements that need full ability, for example you might not want to do a jumping workout on tired legs. 

Ultimately, the decision is yours. You should listen to your body and, as you continue to train, you will become familiar with the aches that come with a tough workout and be able to recognise when the pain you're feeling isn't quite right.