An Unwanted Guest After Exercises

Exercise is supposed to be the ultimate stress reliever, right? The thing that makes you feel invincible, like you can take on the world. For fitness enthusiasts, it’s pure joy—a dose of happy hormones and the thrill of progress. But for the rest of us mere mortals? Exercise can sometimes leave us feeling like we’ve been hit by a truck.

Why?

Because you wake up the next day and—surprise!—you’re sore all over. Your arms feel like noodles, your legs are protesting every movement, and even lifting your morning coffee feels like a workout. Sound familiar? Welcome to the not-so-glamorous world of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

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Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: The Silent Saboteur of New Year Resolutions

Just like the name says, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is that delayed soreness that creeps in after rest—usually after putting your muscles through more work than they’re used to. It doesn’t hit right away. No, DOMS is sneakier than that. It waits a day or two before announcing itself in the form of aching muscles and regretful groans.

It’s no surprise, then, that DOMS has been responsible for derailing countless exercise resolutions. Many people mistake it for a sign that they’re doing something wrong or that their bodies “can’t handle” the workout. But here’s a secret: DOMS is actually a sign you’re on the right track. Stick with your routine, and your body will adapt, growing stronger and less sore with time.

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Remember Those Long Walks?

Think back to your student days—remember when you had to trek for hours to get documents signed? Or that first week at a new job, running back and forth between HR and your new workspace? Your legs were sore by the end of it, right? That’s DOMS in action: your body reacting to an unexpected challenge.

The same thing happens when you start or intensify an exercise routine. The soreness is just your body saying, “This is new! Give me time to adjust.”

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What to Do to Relieve Pain from DOMS

You can try any of the following methods to ease soreness:

• Heat Therapy: Use a heating pad or take a warm bath to relax tight muscles and improve blood circulation.

• Cold Therapy: Apply ice packs or take cold showers to reduce inflammation and numb sore areas.

• Gentle Massage: Massage the sore muscles to improve circulation and relieve tension.

• Proper Rest: Allow your body time to recover by getting enough sleep and avoiding overexertion.

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Don’t Let DOMS Win

The key to conquering DOMS is to pace yourself. Start with exercises that match your fitness level. Don’t dive straight into an intense workout; let your body ease into the new routine. With consistency, the soreness will fade, and you’ll be surprised at how much stronger you feel.

However, sometimes, DOMS can feel like it’s overstaying its welcome. If the soreness becomes unbearable or lasts longer than usual (1 day to a few weeks), it might be time to consult a physiotherapist. 

Reach out to us at +2348126973878 for expert advice, treatment, and tips to minimize DOMS while keeping your fitness goals on track.

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Stay tuned—we’ll share more tips on managing and minimizing DOMS in future posts. Until then, don’t give up on your resolutions. DOMS might be a hurdle, but it’s also a sign you’re moving forward.