What Causes Muscles Hurt After a Workout?

Exercise is essential for our lives, not only for physical health but also for overall well-being. It helps lower the risk of chronic diseases, builds strength in muscles and bones, lifts mood, and enhances sleep and energy levels. In essence, working out is key to a healthier, longer life.

Building on that, the human body is naturally designed to adapt well to regular physical activity. Workouts encourage repair, boost endurance, and even slow aging by keeping our systems active. This natural design explains why exercise is vital to our biology.

However, when exercise becomes excessive or continuous without proper balance, problems can start to appear. Issues like dehydration, nausea, and fatigue may occur, and one of the most common challenges many face is muscle pain after working out.

Ever wonder why your muscles are sore after working out? Keep reading to learn the main causes of muscle pain or ache after a workout, with Biofreeze^® Canada helping you understand and manage this discomfort effectively.

How do muscles hurt after a workout?

Muscle soreness occurs when physical activity causes tiny tears in muscle fibers, leading to repair and growth. Some common causes are as follows:

1. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)

DOMS happens when small tears develop in muscle fibers after an intense or new workout, causing inflammation as the body repairs and strengthens the tissue. Pain usually begins within 12–24 hours and may reach its peak after 48 hours, lasting as long as 72 hours. Common symptoms are as follows:

• Muscle stiffness
• Tenderness to touch
• Reduced range of motion
• Swelling
• Temporary weakness

2. Lactic acid build-up

When exercise intensity exceeds the body’s oxygen supply, lactic acid accumulates in muscles, creating a short-term acidic environment. This causes discomfort that often occurs during or right after exercise and usually subsides within a few hours. Common symptoms are as follows:

• Burning sensation in muscles
• Muscle tightness
• Fatigue
• Temporary weakness
• Reduced endurance

3. Muscle strain or overstretching

Improper form, lifting excessive weight, or sudden movements can overstretch or tear muscle fibers. Unlike DOMS, this pain is sharper and may require longer rest or medical attention, depending on severity. Common symptoms are as follows:

• Sharp or sudden pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty moving the affected area
• Localized tenderness

4. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Muscles require proper hydration and balanced electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) to function properly. Lack of fluids or an electrolyte imbalance can interfere with muscle contractions, causing pain or cramps. Common symptoms are as follows:

• Muscle cramps
• Excessive thirst
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue

5. Overtraining without rest

Exercising too frequently without adequate recovery prevents muscles from healing properly, leading to chronic discomfort and fatigue. Over time, this weakens performance and increases the risk of injury. Common symptoms are as follows:

• Persistent muscle soreness
• Prolonged fatigue
• Poor performance
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances

How to soothe muscles after working out

After a tough workout, muscle soreness can really slow you down. Biofreeze^® Canada works by using menthol to activate cold receptors on the skin, temporarily numbing pain and blocking its signals to the brain.

For fast-acting comfort, Biofreeze^® Pain Relief Gel^* provides a cooling sensation. Its smooth, easy-to-apply texture works well on both small and large areas, making it simple to target aches after training.

When you need relief on the go, the Biofreeze^® Pain Relief Roll-On^* offers a mess-free and hands-free application. With its long-lasting cooling effect, it helps calm muscle soreness after workouts while the convenient roller design ensures targeted coverage anytime.

For support, the Biofreeze^® Pain Relief Patches^* deliver up to 8 hours of cooling relief to aching muscles. Secure and mess-free, these patches are perfect for post-workout recovery, letting you stay active and comfortable while easing muscle pain throughout the day.

^*To be sure this product is right for you, always read and follow the label.