So I just started at the gym Monday (for the first time in a couple years) and I did mostly upper body work outs, shoulder, chest and bicepts. The next day (Tuesday) I did lower body (very intense work out) pretty well everything but the calves and by the end of that I could hardly walk out of the gym. So Wednesday I was really sore on my upper body and my lower body was just getting sore and I took the day off to recover. So Today (Thursday) I was going to go back to the gym to do some more upper body exercises but when I woke up I was even more sore on my upper body (I cant lift my arms up or move them very much at all) and now my lower body is getting really bad, so bad I can hardly walk.

So I just wanted to know how long it takes to recover (it's now the third day for my upper body and it's worst then ever) because I wanted to go to the gym today but I can't because I can hardly move and tomorrow will be even a little iffy.

Also whats the best way to prevent being so sore the next couple days.

And even though I am sore should I go to the gym anyway or let my muscles completely recover (that may take till the end of the weekened).

Instead of spreading out your upper body so much focus more on your upper body days (shoulders and back one day, chest another, arms the last, whatever). You could probably say the same thing about lower body, though I generally did most everything because I have really strong legs and didn't care too much. It's my upper body that's as weak as a kitten.

you just started go easy. wait until your fully healed  

Once you get in the rhythm you should be able to work out the same muscles every other day. Make sure to get lots of protein to help recover.

Hmmm.. your warmup probably sucks... you need to warm up.. do some cardio first for about 5-10 minutes.. It helps increase blood flow to the muscles, allowing them to contract and relax more quickly.. and don't forget to stretch after the workout..

^ yep stretching After the workout is key

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll remember that for next time

Being sore is normal. Don't break you're routine though. If you can keep up for at least a month, you will eventually stop feeling the soreness. Believe me you will go through a few weeks of hell, but once you recover, you will never be hurting or walk funny again.

I'm rooting for you and I feel your pain. The effort is so worth it DONT GIVE UP!

And I demand avatar of the week!

I just do:

Sundays: Bench Press+Upper Body Auxiliaries
Monday: Dead Lift+Lower Body Auxiliaries
Wednesday: Military Press+Upper Body Auxiliaries
Friday: Squat+ Lower Body Auxiliaries

Some upper body auxiliaries:
SetXRep

5X10 Upright Rows
5X10 Skull Crushers
5X10 Rollbacks
5X10 Bent Over Rows
5X10 Facepulls
5X10 Dips
5X10 Pulldowns
etc

Lower Body Auxiliaries

3X10 Back raises (Do this EVERY lower body day)
5X10 DB Lunges
5X10 DB stepups
5X10 Pull Throughs

Ab Exercises on Lower Body Days
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Mix it up, and be casual. Aside from Back raises, every month you should change up your auxiliaries.

I usually do 2-3 auxiliaries for upper body, and 2 auxiliaries for lower body.

Don't be so fucking serious and result minded. Go to the gym to get a feel for it, and make it something that you can make a habit out of.

If you're so result oriented, you'll be depressed and discouraged if you don't get desired results. Obviously don't go to the gym to socialize, but don't go there like it's a chore or some military drill.