Muscle Soreness After Exercise: Is It Normal? Find Out Here

Amoskeag Fitness • January 24, 2025

Muscle soreness after exercise is a common experience, especially for those new to a workout routine or increasing their exercise intensity. If you're wondering if it's normal, the answer is yes, it often is.

This post-workout soreness, known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), is a sign that your muscles are adapting and getting stronger.

Understanding Muscle Soreness After Exercise

DOMS is the technical term for the muscle soreness you feel 24-72 hours after exercise. It's caused by microscopic tears in the muscle fibers that occur during exercise, triggering an inflammatory response that leads to soreness. While it might be uncomfortable, DOMS is not an injury and usually subsides within a few days.

Factors Influencing Muscle Soreness

Several factors can influence the intensity and duration of your muscle soreness, including:

  • Exercise intensity: More intense workouts typically lead to more soreness.
  • Exercise type: Eccentric exercises (muscle lengthening under tension) often cause more soreness than concentric exercises (muscle shortening).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T00U5lMWAWQ
  • Training experience: Beginners are more prone to soreness as their bodies adapt to new exercises.

How to Manage Muscle Soreness After a Workout

While soreness is a normal part of the process, there are ways to manage it:

  • Warm-up and cool-down: Proper warm-up and cool-down routines can help prepare your muscles for exercise and reduce soreness.
  • Active recovery : Light exercise, such as walking or swimming, can help improve blood flow and reduce soreness.
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential for muscle recovery.
  • Nutrition: Consuming adequate protein after exercise can aid muscle repair.

When to Be Concerned About Post-Workout Soreness

While mild to moderate muscle soreness is normal, severe pain or soreness that persists for more than a week could indicate an injury. If you experience any unusual pain or discomfort, consult a healthcare professional.

New to Working Out or Want to Optimize Your Fitness Journey?

Amoskeag Fit Co in Bedford, NH understands that navigating post-workout soreness and maximizing your fitness potential can be challenging. Our experienced coaches are here to help you create a personalized plan that minimizes excessive soreness while effectively working towards your goals.

Don't let muscle soreness hold you back!

Book a free consultation with us today and let's discuss how we can optimize your training and recovery for a healthier, stronger you.

Is It Normal to Be Sore After Workout FAQs

Do you still have questions about muscle soreness after exercising? Let's dive into some frequently asked questions and get you the answers you need:

Is muscle soreness a sign of an effective workout?

While soreness can indicate muscle damage and repair, it's not necessarily a measure of workout effectiveness. You can still have a productive workout without feeling sore.

Should I work out if I'm sore?

If your soreness is mild, light exercise can help alleviate it. However, avoid high-intensity training or working the same muscle groups until the soreness subsides.

How can I prevent muscle soreness?

Gradual progression in exercise intensity and proper warm-up and cool-down routines can help minimize soreness.

Can muscle soreness lead to injury?

While DOMS itself is not an injury, it can temporarily reduce muscle strength and flexibility, potentially increasing your risk of injury if you push yourself too hard.

When should I seek medical attention for muscle soreness?

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience severe pain, soreness that lasts more than a week, or any unusual symptoms.

By Jeff Licciardi April 30, 2025
In today’s high-stress world, finding a reliable way to care for your mental health is more important than ever. At CrossFit Amoskeag , we believe fitness is about more than just building muscle—it’s about building resilience, community, and confidence. That’s why many of our members turn to CrossFit not only to get stronger, but to feel better, mentally and emotionally. In this post, we’ll explore the mental health benefits of CrossFit, and how our Manchester, NH community helps people cope with anxiety, depression, and everyday stressors. 💪 The Connection Between Exercise and Mental Health According to the National Institute of Mental Health, regular physical activity is one of the most effective tools in managing anxiety and depression. CrossFit—by combining high-intensity functional training, social accountability, and goal-oriented progress—is uniquely powerful in supporting mental wellness. At CrossFit Amoskeag, every class delivers: A structured environment that helps calm an overactive mind A sense of accomplishment that builds self-confidence An inclusive community that combats isolation and loneliness 👥 Community Matters One of the most powerful mental health benefits of joining our gym in Manchester, NH is the community. When you work out at CrossFit Amoskeag, you're surrounded by people who cheer you on, lift you up, and show up when it matters most. Our group classes are designed to create connection—whether you're a first-time athlete or an experienced CrossFitter. Research from Mental Health America highlights how strong social support systems are tied to lower rates of depression and anxiety. “The support and encouragement from other members has completely changed my outlook on fitness and life.” — CrossFit Amoskeag Member 🧘 Physical Strength = Emotional Resilience Every time you push through a tough workout, you build more than just endurance. You build emotional resilience—the ability to deal with life’s challenges and bounce back from adversity. Whether you’re dealing with job stress, parenting burnout, or seasonal mood changes, the physical exertion in a CrossFit WOD (Workout of the Day) helps your body release endorphins and reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. By making CrossFit training in Manchester a consistent part of your routine, you’re setting yourself up to mentally and physically thrive. 🧠 Coaching That Cares At CrossFit Amoskeag, we train the whole person. Our coaches aren’t just here to correct your deadlift form—they’re here to support your journey, celebrate your wins, and keep you grounded. We know that mental wellness doesn’t come from a single workout, but from creating an environment of belonging, growth, and empowerment. Looking to try your first class? Check out our group classes program —a supportive, beginner-friendly introduction to everything we offer. 🔗 Resources to Support Your Mental Health In addition to the resources we provide in-house, here are some trusted organizations that offer tools and support for mental wellness: Mental Health America National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Headspace The Anxiety & Depression Association of America 🚀 Ready to Feel Better? Start Here. If you're searching for a mental health boost through fitness in Manchester, NH, we invite you to experience the CrossFit Amoskeag difference. From mood-boosting workouts to supportive coaching, we're here to help you feel stronger inside and out. 👉 Book your first class today or reach out to learn more. Your mental wellness journey starts here.
By Amoskeag Fitness January 24, 2025
Starting a gym can be a highly rewarding venture for fitness enthusiasts eager to turn their passion into a thriving business. Whether you?re aiming to open a boutique fitness studio, a high-end facility, or a specialized training center, the process requires thorough planning, financial preparation, and strategic execution. This time, we?ll focus on everything you need to know about how to start a gym, from crafting a business plan to marketing your brand and retaining members.
By Amoskeag Fitness January 24, 2025
Packing for the gym doesn?t have to feel like preparing for a week-long vacation. If you?re tired of lugging around an overstuffed bag, it?s time to simplify. Knowing what to bring to the gym is all about choosing the essentials that keep you focused and stress-free. Let?s unpack this together and create the go-to list to help you ace your workout, hassle-free.
By Amoskeag Fitness January 24, 2025
How to gain muscle without gaining fat is a common fitness goal, but it can feel like walking a tightrope. With the right strategies in place, we can bulk up and stay lean. Let us break down everything we need to know, from nutrition to workouts, so we can build muscle effectively while keeping fat gain at bay.
By Amoskeag Fitness January 24, 2025
When it comes to fitness, nutrition, and body composition, the term calorie surplus often comes up. But what is calorie surplus, and why does it matter? Simply put, a calorie surplus occurs when you consume more calories than your body burns in a day. This concept is essential for those looking to build muscle, gain weight, or improve athletic performance.
By Amoskeag Fitness January 24, 2025
Explore realistic workouts inspired by Bruce Wayne’s intense regimen and get fit like a hero in this Batman exercise.
By Amoskeag Fitness January 24, 2025
Grip strength plays a pivotal role in numerous activities, from lifting weights and climbing to carrying groceries and performing everyday tasks. However, many people overlook the intricate system of gripper muscles that power this essential strength. Understanding the muscles targeted by grip strengtheners is key to optimizing performance, whether you're an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or recovering from an injury.
By Amoskeag Fitness January 24, 2025
Learn how to prep feet for a 5-mile walk with essential tips for comfort, blister care, and post-walk recovery.
By Amoskeag Fitness January 24, 2025
Tired of being skinny? These weight gain tips for people with fast metabolisms will help you achieve your goals.
By Amoskeag Fitness January 24, 2025
Looking for a personal trainer in Bedford, NH? Explore our 6 expert tips to find the best trainer in New Hampshire.
More Posts