As a dedicated athlete, you’re no stranger to muscle soreness and tightness following a strenuous workout. But if you recently started a new workout routine or you’ve pushed harder than usual, you may have also experienced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), gradually increasing discomfort that occurs between 24 and 48 hours after activity.
In this blog article, we will cover what DOMS is, what causes DOMS, and how to reduce DOMS so you can get back to pushing your limits.
What Is DOMS?
Though painful, DOMS is rarely cause for concern and is particularly common when you introduce your body to something new, or push you muscles beyond what they’re used to. As explained by Blair Callaghan, P.T., D.P.T., when you stress your muscles through challenging exercise, you cause micro-tears. This is a normal part of the muscle-strengthening process, but micro-tears can also cause inflammation, resulting in muscle soreness.
How to Get Rid of DOMS
If you experience DOMS, there are many safe ways to reduce muscle soreness at home, like self-massage, foam rolling, and PHUEL. Applying PHUEL within 24 hours of intense activity can help manage DOMS.
Certified personal trainer and coach Ki’anie Brooks has this advice: “When my clients experience DOMS, I tell them to do three things: stay hydrated, keep moving, and use PHUEL. I’ve given this product to a number of my athletes, and the feedback is amazing.”
How to Prevent DOMS
While you may not be able to completely avoid muscle soreness as you train, you can make certain lifestyle changes that may help prevent DOMS. For example, you can add more protein and anti-inflammatory foods to your diet, and use PHUEL daily.
In clinical studies, PHUEL has been proven to release muscle tightness and reduce DOMS. PHUEL can also be used before your workouts to activate muscle function, prepping your muscles for maximum performance. Find PHUEL at a store near you or order online for convenient delivery!