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Embarking on a fitness journey requires physical tenacity and an understanding of how your body responds to various activities. When discussing fitness and exercise, DOMS is often an overlooked yet vital aspect.
If you've been breaking personal records in your workouts only to be halted by creeping muscle discomfort and tension, don't throw in the towel just yet. We’re here to run through strategies to support your body during this stage of recovery.
The finish line? A better understanding of your body and the tools to keep you moving forward in your fitness journey. So, lace up your sneakers, and let’s sprint right into it.
While the sense of accomplishment you feel after hitting new heights in your workout and crushing your fitness goals is incredible, the soreness that sets in the following day or two may feel more like a punishment. So what causes this post-workout sensation?
DOMS refers to Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. While a familiar term among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, it can be an intimidating concept for beginners and a challenge for those committed to their fitness journey.
DOMS occurs post-exercise and is characterized by muscle discomfort, tension, and stiffness. It's that feeling of soreness that creeps in a day or two after a rigorous workout, leaving you questioning your life choices and avoiding stairs at all costs. But fear not; there are ways to address this.
The discomfort and tension we experience in the days following an intense workout is no punishment — it's our body's response to physical exertion that goes beyond what it's accustomed to. This phenomenon typically sets in 24 to 48 hours after a workout and can last up to several days.
While DOMS can occur after any workout that puts your body to work, it is especially common when you introduce new exercises into your routine, increase the intensity of your workouts, or perform eccentric exercises — those that emphasize muscle lengthening, like running downhill or lowering weights.
The unfamiliar strain we put on our muscles during these activities causes microscopic damage to muscle fibers. This damage triggers an inflammatory response, leading to an increased flow of blood and nutrients to the area to help repair the muscle tissue.
The grip of DOMS is not restricted to any particular muscle group. In fact, it can occur anywhere in the body that's been put to a strenuous workout, particularly in muscles that are new or unaccustomed to certain types of physical activity.
This means you might feel that telltale muscle discomfort in your legs after a heavy squat session or fast run, in your arms following a grueling upper body workout, or in your core post a challenging abdominal circuit.
It's important to remember that experiencing DOMS is not a bad thing. This process supports your body's natural recovery and builds muscle strength, making you even stronger for your next workout. This discomfort during the rebuilding phase is a reminder of all of your accomplishments and a sign that your body is doing incredible things!
But still, learning how to effectively support your body through this process can make your journey towards better fitness more manageable and enjoyable in the moment.
When we think of a successful fitness regimen, we often visualize grit, sweat, and intense workouts. But, the unsung hero of this equation is the recovery process. Contrary to popular belief, it's not during the workout that our bodies grow stronger, but during the rest periods between workouts. This is when the body repairs, rebuilds, and fortifies its systems.
Efficient recovery is crucial because it allows your body to replenish energy stores and repair damaged tissues. Without proper recovery, you may experience persistent muscle discomfort and tension, which can hinder your performance and potentially lead to burnout or injuries.
In the worst-case scenario, inadequate recovery can actually reverse your hard-earned progress, leading to decreased performance, endurance, and strength.
Improved recovery, on the other hand, can directly enhance your fitness performance. It facilitates the body's natural healing processes, reducing the time you feel DOMS and improving your readiness for subsequent workouts.
By prioritizing recovery, you're ensuring you can continue to train consistently, efficiently, and effectively, pushing the boundaries of your potential and progressing toward your fitness goals.
While DOMS is a natural part of your fitness journey, there are proactive steps you can take to support your body's recovery process. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can help manage muscle tension and discomfort more effectively and set yourself up for continuous progress.
Fueling your body with the right nutrients before and after workouts is key. Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can aid muscle repair and growth.
Staying adequately hydrated can also encourage muscle relaxation and support overall bodily functions. Hydration not only encourages muscle relaxation but also supports overall bodily functions, as water is integral for nutrient transportation and electrolyte replenishment, both of which are crucial for muscle recovery and function.
Don't underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. During sleep, your body goes into repair mode, releasing growth hormones that aid in the repair and regeneration of tissues. Prioritizing quality sleep can enhance recovery and prepare your body for the next day's challenges.
While you may want to just curl up on the days your muscles are sore, a bit of light activity on rest days can actually promote blood flow and help deliver vital nutrients to your sore muscles, supporting their repair process. Activities like walking, light cycling, or gentle yoga can be beneficial.
But remember, this is still a rest day — don’t push yourself!
One common mistake beginners make is starting too hard, too fast. This approach can easily lead to intense DOMS, deterring you from future workouts. Instead, opt for a gradual increase in intensity.
Start with light to moderate exercises, and as your body gets used to the new routine, slowly up the intensity. This will give your muscles time to adapt and can reduce the severity of DOMS.
Sticking to the same exercise routine day after day can put you at risk of experiencing DOMS and potentially overuse injuries. By incorporating different exercise modalities — such as strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises — you can ensure that different muscle groups get a chance to work and rest.
This varied approach can help avoid muscle fatigue and promote a well-rounded fitness level.
Warming up with a lighter form of exercise — rather than diving straight into the deep end — prepares your body for exercise by gradually increasing your heart rate and circulation, thereby loosening your joints and increasing blood flow to your muscles.
Cooling down by ending your workout with more light activities helps your body return to its normal state, reducing muscle tension and aiding recovery. Both are vital for a safe workout that reduces the risk of injury to your muscles.
Gentle stretching post-workout can enhance your flexibility and range of motion, helping reduce muscle tension. Regular stretching can also increase circulation and help alleviate the stiffness associated with DOMS.
Incorporating these strategies into your fitness routine won't make DOMS disappear overnight, but they can help manage its effects and speed up your recovery process.
Remember, every step you take to support your body's natural processes is a step towards a stronger, more resilient you. Don't be discouraged by the challenges; they're simply stepping stones on your path to achieving your fitness goals.
Harnessing the power of compression can be a game-changer in supporting your recovery from DOMS. By supporting healthy blood flow to your muscles, compression aids in effectively delivering the nutrients and oxygen necessary for muscle repair and recovery, offering you relief from discomfort.
In essence, think of compression as a gentle, constant massage for your muscles. Wearing compression sleeves or socks after your workout or during your rest days can provide extra support as your muscles heal from the stress of your workout, maintaining healthy circulation and muscle relaxation.
At Copper Fit, our goal is to support your fitness journey every step of the way. Our copper-infused recovery products provide this necessary support while the added copper reduces odor.
Our ice compression socks and sleeves offer further relief, as they're infused with Menthol through patented technology. This unique combination supports your muscles, helping to soothe the discomfort associated with DOMS and keep you moving toward your fitness goals.
As you venture on your fitness journey, remember that DOMS is a natural response to challenging your body — don't let DOMS discourage you. Every hurdle jumped is progress made. Fuel up with good nutrition, rest well, mix up your workout routines, and lean on recovery-supporting technology like compression gear to soothe muscle discomfort.
So, see DOMS not as a setback but as a marker of your progress. It's your body's shout-out to your hard work, strength, and resilience. Remember, it's the moments you want to quit that you're truly making strides.
Want to boost your race to recovery even further? Explore our full range of compression gear at Copper Fit. Our compression socks, sleeves, and wraps can foster healthy circulation and soothe discomfort.
Whatever your wellness needs, we’re to support you, helping you leap over hurdles and encouraging you to cross your personal finish lines. You’ve got this.
Sources:
Pain and injuries after exercise | NHS inform
Nutrition and Muscle Recovery | PMC
