When we work out, our muscles work together, to move the weights and our body by contracting and relaxing in a very coordinated way. On a microscopic level each muscle is made up of individual muscle fibers. As we work harder or lift/move heavier things more and more muscle fibers are recruited to help us complete our goal. The muscles get to a point where they cannot take on the load and will actually begin to microscopically tear, this is the soreness. Now don’t get nervous this is not a tear on the level that will keep you from working out and that will lead to surgery. The tearing is then accompanied by inflammation, which is the body’s natural reaction to any injury and will lead to some stiffness. This entire process is actually the body’s way of building new muscle. As the muscle fibers begin to heal, stronger and bigger fibers are created to replace it. As a consequence though, you will get some soreness and stiffness for a couple of days after your workout.
Here are a couple of the many easy remedies that may help to decrease your soreness and stiffness to help you get through that next workout.