Kick Fever Fitness – Why Your Muscles Are Sore Post-Workout

If you’re new to fitness, you may be wondering why you’re sore after a weight-training or cardio session. It could be a number of factors, including your previous level of fitness and activity, your age or the intensity of your workouts.

If this is the first time you’ve exercised – or it’s been awhile since you last worked out – it’s likely your muscles will become sore.

This is because you are causing microscopic tears in your muscle fibers when you strength train or work muscles you’ve never worked before. The pain you’re feeling post-exercise is from these minute tears and is called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

This pain is normal and can last between 1-7 days after your workout. As these tears heal, your muscles will become stronger. Over time, your muscles will adapt and the soreness will lessen after your workouts.

To minimize the chance of becoming sore, be sure you warm up, cool down and stretch properly before and after your workouts. Drink enough water throughout the day, and try to stay active on a weekly basis.

To relieve soreness, keep your blood flowing by doing some light cardio or other physical activity, or getting a massage. Even doing some of those unwanted house chores can help relieve some pain.