Ah, the familiar feeling of post-workout soreness - a bittersweet reminder of the effort we put into our fitness routines. Have you ever wondered why muscles ache after workouts? Fear not, as we unravel the mystery behind this phenomenon with a simple and straightforward explanation. In this blog post, we delve into the science behind muscle soreness, exploring the factors that contribute to this sensation and what it signifies for your fitness journey.
During physical exercise, myofibrils, which are cells of muscle fibers, are exposed to heavy mechanical loads that cause micro-tears. Shorter myofibrils are more prone to tearing than longer ones.
Additionally, long anaerobic exercises, such as a superset of 12 repetitions of squats and 12 repetitions of leg extension, can lead to muscle acidification due to the accumulation of hydrogen ions. This acidification can cause damage to the myofibrils.
When a myofibril is damaged, it needs to be broken down by lysosomal enzymes. Lysosomes are essentially "cleaner" cells that help to break down and remove damaged cells from the body. The body then builds new myofibrils to replace the damaged ones.
After the muscles are damaged, an inflammatory response occurs, which causes an increase in blood flow to the affected area. The muscle cells increase in volume, the muscles become swollen, and the cell membranes get stretched. As a result, the pain receptors in the cell membranes are under pressure, and we feel soreness in the muscles after workouts. As a bodybuilder, I even find this soreness and feeling of swelling muscles to be pleasant.
However, if the soreness is accompanied by discomfort or a limitation of movement due to pain, it may indicate a serious injury such as a sprain. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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