Post-workout muscle soreness is an unpleasant situation that happens to almost everyone, especially to those who are new to exercise, start working out after a long break, or try new challenging exercises. However, it should be regarded as an ordinary part of the development process unless the pain is too intense and prolonged. There are some precautions you can take to prevent muscle soreness from dampening your motivation, but before talking about what you need to do, let’s take a look at why and how it happens.
What Causes Muscle Soreness After Workout?
Post-workout muscle soreness is what’s known as “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” (DOMS). This may happen when you start exercising again after a long time or when you switch to a new and more intense training program. You don’t have to worry about it because the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness will go away in five days, and you will be less likely to experience it as your body gets used to the routine.
How Can You Avoid Muscle Soreness?
Progress Slowly: If you’re new to working out or returning after a long break, start gradually. Instead of jumping into heavy equipment and intense workout programs, let your body adapt to the new routine. You can consult and get help from a personal trainer at this point.
Don’t Skip Warming-Up and Cooling-Down Exercises: Stretching and doing low-tempo cardio before and after exercising will help your body get used to physical activity before the workout and make a slower transition to your daily routine after the workout. Warm-up stretching exercises are especially important to prevent injuries.
Drink Coffee Before Workout: Caffeine is a recommended pre-workout supplement known to enhance performance. Having a cup of coffee about half an hour before your workout not only boosts your energy but also enhances concentration, and potentially decreases the likelihood of muscle soreness. Fortunately, Muscle Cheff L-Carnitine Coffee is here to offer your daily dose of energy and Vitamin B. Give it a try and thank yourself later.
Let Your Body Recover: The excitement of starting a new routine could help you maintain your discipline. But it is also important to give your body time to rest and recover. Doing intense training without allowing your body to rest is called overtraining syndrome and it can cause serious and long-term muscle soreness.