Starting a new workout routine is exciting, but if you’ve ever felt sore the next day, you know your body can feel less enthusiastic. That soreness has a name: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

Why Do Muscles Get Sore After Exercise?

When you challenge your muscles in new ways, whether lifting weights, trying yoga, or running for the first time in months, you create tiny microscopic tears in the muscle fibers. This process is normal and part of how your muscles grow stronger.

Your body then begins repairing those fibers, rebuilding them to handle future workouts more efficiently. The soreness you feel is simply your muscles adapting to the challenge.

Common factors that make soreness more noticeable include:

• Starting a brand new activity
  
  

• Increasing workout intensity or duration
  
  

• Doing eccentric movements (like lowering weights or running downhill)
  
  

How Long Does Muscle Soreness Last?

For most people, muscle soreness peaks about 24 to 72 hours after exercise and gradually fades. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s temporary and usually a sign of progress.

Ways to Help Relieve Post-Workout Muscle Soreness

Although soreness is normal, there are simple ways to manage the discomfort so you can stay consistent with your workouts:

• Gentle stretching to increase circulation
  
  

• Active recovery (light walking, yoga, or cycling)
  
  

• Hydration to support muscle repair
  
  

• Rest days to allow your muscles to heal
  
  

• Topical relief for temporary comfort

Targeted Relief with Lightning Pain Relief Topical Analgesic Cream Roll-On

For temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with strains, sprains, simple backache, arthritis, and bruises, you can use Lightning Pain Relief Topical Analgesic Cream Roll-On.

With Menthol 4% as its active ingredient, this Over-the-Counter roll-on provides both a cooling and warming sensation that helps ease discomfort in sore areas. Its roll-on design also makes it easy to apply directly where you need it, up to 3 to 4 times daily (for adults and children over 2 years). It’s compact enough to keep in your gym bag and take with you on the go.

In addition to Menthol, Lightning Pain Relief is enriched with:

• Camphor – warms to ease stiffness

• Hemp Seed Oil – soothes inflammation

• Arnica – reduces soreness and bruising

Together, these ingredients help provide targeted relief while supporting recovery and comfort. 

When to Seek Medical Advice

If your soreness doesn’t improve after several days, or if you experience swelling, severe pain, or limited mobility, consult your doctor to rule out an injury.