Delayed myalgia, the term may sound unfamiliar, but it is a phenomenon that many exercise enthusiasts often experience after a workout.

So what exactly is delayed muscle aches?

Delayed myalgia, as the name suggests, refers to the soreness that occurs in the muscles for a period of time after a physical activity or exercise. This soreness usually does not appear immediately after exercise, but gradually shows up hours or even a day or two later, so it is called “delayed”.

This pain is not due to muscle strain or acute injury, but due to the muscle undergoing a load during exercise that is beyond its daily adaptive range, resulting in minor damage to the muscle fibers.

When our muscles are challenged beyond their daily load, they make adaptive changes to become more robust and powerful. This adaptation process is accompanied by tiny muscle fiber damage and inflammatory responses that contribute to the onset of delayed myalgia.

Although this pain may feel uncomfortable, it is actually the body’s way of telling us that the muscles are getting stronger and that we are one step closer to our goal.

There are a number of steps you can take to relieve delayed muscle aches.

First of all, it is very important to warm up and stretch properly, they help to prepare the muscles and reduce the possibility of injury.

Secondly, doing aerobic exercise, such as jogging, brisk walking, etc., can help increase the heart rate and speed up blood circulation, which will take the lactic acid away faster. At the same time, aerobic exercise can also provide more oxygen to muscles, which helps muscle recovery and regeneration.

Third, massage is also a good choice. Proper massage after exercise can relax muscles, promote blood circulation, and speed up the discharge of lactic acid. In addition, massage can relieve muscle tension and reduce pain.

Finally, proper diet is also the key to fighting delayed muscle aches. After exercise, the body needs adequate nutrients to repair muscle tissue and promote muscle recovery. Therefore, we should eat enough protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients to meet the needs of the body.