So, you’re sitting down to put your feet up and relax after a tired, energetic day but instead of being able to kick back in peace, you feel tight andsore. If your muscles feel stiff after a long day at the gym you can count yourself amongst the usual population of gym-going adults but if you can’t figure out why they’re hurting, one of the following might be the reason.

Stress:

 

Too much tension makes your entire body stiff. When you’re feeling stressed, your muscles stiffen up automatically. So, if you’ve had a particularly stressful day and can’t sit still at night, take a few minutes to calm down before putting your feet up.

Overuse:

 

If you’re constantly using your right arm, chances are it will get tired, stiff and sore? All the muscles in your body react the same way, so remember not to overuse them!

Dehydration:

 

Have you had enough water today? Not drinking water can make you extremely dehydrated which in turn makes you weak and tired. Tiredness and fatigue make your muscles weak.

DOMS:

 

If you’ve ever felt a bit sore after exercising, you know the feeling of exercise related muscle stiffness. But, if the soreness or stiffness shows up a day or two later, it’s called Delayed Onset Muscle Stiffness and it means you’ve made your muscles work a little harder than usual. Don’t worry, your muscles will recover and rebuild themselves. The pain and stiffness will usually only last around five days.

Illness:

 

Muscle pain is normal when you’re ill. It strikes everyone and won’t last longer than your illness. The reason you should know of it as a cause is because sometimes it’s one of the only symptoms that you’re coming down with something, like the flu. Also note that a Vitamin D3 deficiency can also make muscles sore. Sometimes pain and stiffness that comes and goes especially in muscles like calf and hamstring, could also be because of a circulatory disorder or also referred symptoms from the low back (eg disc bulge).

Believe that prevention is better than cure? Here’s how to prevent muscle stiffness:

  • When you’re about to do any physical activity, make sure you do some stretching before and cool down after.
  • During your exercise, cool down periods are very important as is building up intensity slowly over time instead of all at once.
  • Meditate when you feel anxious or tense.
  • Make sure you’re properly hydrated through the day.
  • Remember not to stress or strain your muscles but keep them active since inactivity can also cause stiffness.
  • Maintain good posture.

 

Remember that the causes of muscle stiffness are nothing to worry about and generally get better with a little heat, rest and a good massage. If it lasts for a week and is accompanied by fever or short breath, or if it persists through the night and disturbs your sleep, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor!

Get Started with Fitness:

Mumbai | Delhi | Pune | Bangalore Gurgaon | Noida | Hyderabad | Ahmedabad