You’ve been working out regularly, and actually, it’s been going pretty great. You kept up your routine and your healthy eating habits, but suddenly you’re not feeling that after-workout ache anymore. You know that old saying, “no pain, no gain”, well, it’s not exactly true. Here are the three reasons why you’re feeling no soreness after a workout and why you don’t need to worry.
No pain after a workout––here’s why
To understand “why am I not sore after working out”, you first need to know why you sometimes feel that muscle ache in the first place.
From a slow ache to struggling to sit down, after workout pain can vary, but it is usually caused by the stretch and contract movements that let you workout, aka natural muscle movements.
Sometimes micro tearing happens when you exercise, as your muscles extend and contract past their current capacity, and as this repairs itself, you may feel something known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). This is entirely normal.
However, even if this doesn’t happen and your muscles are not sore after a workout, that doesn’t mean you didn’t put in enough effort. These are the three reasons you might not be feeling the burn:
Reason 1 – You’re prepared!
Perhaps you’ve been particularly good at warming up correctly and putting some extra time into stretching. This has had a significant impact on your muscles; it keeps them in tip-top shape and ready for your workout.
It might also be the reason you’re feeling less pain after a workout. So, if you want to sit down the next day, remember to warm up before you start.
Warming up and stretching correctly helps prepare your muscles for what’s to come, and alongside less after-workout pain, you’ll also be less prone to injuries.
Reason 2 – You’re on the ball with your diet and sleep routine!
Never underestimate the power of a healthy diet and a good sleep routine; it can work wonders.
Eating a wholesome diet, filled with nutrients ensures your body has the proper tools to build and repair those muscles without troubling you too much.
Lacking in a particular nutrient? Your body will let you know with headaches, muscle aches and sprains.
Sleep, what would we do without it? Aside from walking around like zombies, getting enough sleep is an essential ingredient in ensuring your muscles have time and energy to repair themselves. Which is why if you’ve been getting plenty of shuteye, your muscles are likely to be less sore after working out.
Reason 3 – Your fitness routine is working!
If you’re asking yourself the question, “if I’m not sore after a workout is that bad?” you’re not alone, but this is a bit of a fitness myth.
Sure, when you first start working out your muscles are likely to ache afterwards, but that pain won’t last long as you gradually gain in fitness.
As you make progress with your health and fitness goals that bothersome ache in the days after working out won’t bother you anymore. And, actually, that means you’re more likely to stick to it––who’d want to feel sore all the time?
How do I know if my workout is working?
While a lack of pain may delight you, it may also leave you wondering, “if I’m not sore, am I still building muscle?” Lucky for you, the answer is yes.
That feeling of pain has little to do with successfully building muscle. As long as you are consistent and dedicated to your regime, you will make gains in your fitness goals. And in fact, pushing for that “burn”, instead of focusing on health, may leave you suffering from unintended injuries.
You’ll know if your workout is working if:
- You’re able to do more––more exercises, more reps, and spend more time at the gym.
- Your body is looking better, and your clothes fit better.
- You feel healthier overall.
