Post-exercise soreness is a prevalent issue, but that doesn’t make it less painful for people suffering from it. It may be motivating to know that, in most cases, it is an entirely natural reaction to your workout stimulus. In this article, we will tell you why stretching sore muscles after a workout is important and how to stretch out sore muscles. 

First Thing First

What Is Muscle Soreness 

You finally made up your mind to get up early in the morning and start exercising to keep yourself in shape. And your first workout goes incredible, and you can’t be less proud of yourself. Until the following day, when your muscles get so sore, you can hardly get out of bed.

Muscle soreness is the natural aftermath of the pressure put on your muscles when you perform some exercise. It is commonly known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS, and it is entirely normal. DOMS usually commences within 6-8 hours after a new workout or a change in training and can last up to 24-48 hours after the workout. Muscle pain results from inflammation within the muscle, which is one of the leading causes of muscle soreness.

When Do You Experience Muscle Soreness?

• You are most likely to suffer delayed muscle soreness after one of the following:
• Beginning an activity or training program for the first time.
• Adding a new training or activity to your usual workout routine.
• Increasing the intensity of a workout, such as adding the amount of weight lifted, number of repetitions, or speed.
• Doing the same workout over and over again without adequate rest time in between each set.

All people undergo muscle soreness, even trained bodybuilders and other competitive athletes. 

The good news is that regular muscle soreness is an indication that you’re getting healthier and more robust, and there is nothing to be worried about.  During an intense workout, you happen to stress your muscles and the fibers start to break down. As the fibers heal themselves, they become more active and more energetic than they were before. It signifies that your muscles will be better equipped to deal with the pressure the next time you exercise.

How Can You Stretch Out Sore Muscles?

While there aren’t any rapid solutions — your muscles require time to repair themselves. However, there are a few strategies you can employ to alleviate soreness and stimulate recovery. Here’s what you can do:

Perform Light stretching

Stretching can be an excellent way to relieve tightness and boost your range of movement when your muscles are sore, which can ease your pain. You can try various after-workout stretches or Yoga stretches before or after commencing your workout routine. 

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated is a significant aspect of muscle healing. Water maintains the movement of fluids through your system, which can help alleviate inflammation, flush out waste products, and provide your muscles the nutrients they require. 

Get Some Gentle Movement 

Sore muscles need to unwind. However, that doesn’t mean you are allowed to spend the day on the couch. Keep yourself going through activities like restorative Yoga, a simple walk, swimming, cycling, or even light resistance activity. The key is to prevent doing another intense training employing the same muscle groups on successive days. 

Sleep

Sleep is significant for many functions of your body, but it’s also an essential aspect of workout recovery. It may not look like it has an immediate impact on muscle soreness, but it can be beneficial for muscle healing. 

Conclusion

Stretching sore muscles is disturbing and often unbearable. It might persuade you to take a pain reliever and call it a day, but it is best if you abstain from it. You can reduce your soreness with one of the strategies mentioned above, which can be effective if followed religiously.

DFX CrossFit

If you have any questions like this about fitness or getting into the shape you have always wanted, contact us here at DFX CrossFit. If you have ever thought about getting into CrossFit, we think it is an excellent way to activate your body and achieve the body you have always desired. We have an exercise facility located in Raleigh, NC and we can help you get on the right training program. Visit our site now for more information on CrossFit training!