We’ve all been there—unable to fully extend an arm after a push-up fest, crouching fearfully over the toilet because the pain in our thighs is so intense that it feels impossible to sit down. This type of muscle soreness can really put a damper on the most inspired workout plans. How do I know this? Because I am there…right now, today!

The outrageous number of squats in Slim in 6 has left my gluteus maximus hurting. I can tell it is muscle pain, not joint-pain, so I know it is important for me to keep going to build those muscles. But that doesn’t negate the fact that it hurts, and it makes me not want to work out (or sit in a chair for that matter).

Have you gotten to the super sore point in a workout routine, only to quit or give-up because you don’t want to deal with the sore muscles? If so, you aren’t alone. But as long as you can determine that the pain is indeed muscle soreness and not joint pain or a pulled muscle, it is safe and, in fact, beneficial to keep moving forward in your workout .

Why Do Muscles Get Sore When Working Out?

When you begin new workout plans, increase the intensity of your routine or use new muscles, they become sore due to microdamage in the fibers of your muscles and connective tissues. This pain typically becomes most intense around 48 hours after the workout and then gradually decreases. If you continue to work those muscles, they will get used to it and you’ll notice that you can do more and more without experiencing the muscle soreness.

The process of microdamage is actually a good thing! You are breaking down the muscles to build them even stronger, so keep that in mind when you gritting your teeth as you squat down to pick up your shoes.

In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help you through muscle soreness:

·         Apply an ice pack on the muscle to decrease inflammation that leads to pain. Wrap the ice pack in a paper towel or thin cloth towel to avoid skin discomfort.

·         Use gentle stretching to loosen up the stiff muscles.

·         Consider using MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) post-workout. This supplement is an organic form of sulfur and is typically available in powder form. MSM detoxifies cells and helps the muscles to get rid of lactic acid build-up that leads to inflammation and soreness.

Don’t let muscle soreness slow you down. I know it can be challenging to push through it, but when you are on the other side with stronger muscles and a fitter physique, you’ll be glad you did.

Tell me about what solutions you have to handle post workout soreness in the comments section below.