Causes of Body Aches After Exercise: Find Out Why Here
Exercise is one of the habits that offers significant benefits for the body’s health. It can improve fitness, strengthen muscles, and even boost your mood.
However, it is not uncommon to experience soreness or aches after exercising, especially when doing more strenuous activities than usual. This soreness can certainly make you less comfortable and may even make some people reluctant to continue their exercise routine. What actually causes your body to feel sore after exercise? Let’s take a closer look.
Causes of Body Soreness After Exercise
The soreness or aches that occur after exercise are known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). This condition usually develops 12 to 24 hours after physical activity and can peak within 24 to 72 hours. DOMS is generally caused by several factors, including:
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Microscopic Damage to Muscle Fibers

When we do an exercise that involves new movements or greater intensity, our muscle fibers sustain microscopic damage. This is normal and is actually part of the body’s mechanism for strengthening muscles.
As these fibers are repaired, the muscles become stronger and better able to handle similar activities in the future. However, the damage can trigger temporary inflammation, causing muscle pain or stiffness [1] [2].
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Lactic Acid Buildup

During intense exercise, the body produces lactic acid as a byproduct of energy metabolism. Although lactic acid does not directly cause DOMS, it can contribute to muscle discomfort during exercise. However, the body usually clears lactic acid quickly once exercise is over [2] [3].
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Eccentric Movements

Eccentric movements, such as slowly lowering a weight or walking down stairs, are more likely to cause DOMS than concentric movements. This is because the muscles work harder to control the load as they lengthen, which can increase the risk of microscopic damage [3].
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Insufficient Warm-Up and Cool-Down

Skipping a warm-up before exercise or a cool-down afterward can also increase the likelihood of DOMS. A warm-up helps increase blood flow to the muscles, while a cool-down helps relieve muscle tension and speed up recovery [2].
In general, feeling sore after exercise is completely normal. But for some people, this soreness may interfere with their activities afterward. So, how can you reduce it?
How to Reduce and Prevent Soreness After Exercise

If you often experience soreness after exercising, the following steps may help reduce it:
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Start at a Low Intensity
If you are just starting to exercise or trying a new type of exercise, begin at a low intensity. Increase the intensity gradually so your body can adapt [2].
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Warm Up and Cool Down
Always make time to warm up before exercise and cool down afterward. A warm-up can loosen your muscles and improve flexibility, while a cool-down helps reduce muscle tension [3].
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Eat Nutritious Foods
Good nutrition can support muscle recovery. Eat protein-rich foods, such as eggs and fish, along with healthy carbohydrates to replenish lost energy. Honey is also a good natural option for speeding up muscle recovery because of its nutrient content [4] [5].
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Use Herbal Remedies or Supplements
One effective way to relieve pain and soreness is to use specially formulated herbal products, such as Sido Muncul Tolak Linu Herbal.
Sido Muncul Tolak Linu Herbal: Relieve Muscle Soreness and Pain

If you are looking for a practical, natural solution for soreness after exercise, Sido Muncul Tolak Linu Herbal may be the right choice. This product is specially formulated to help relieve aches, joint pain, and muscle pain.
Ingredients and Benefits
Sido Muncul Tolak Linu Herbal contains natural ingredients with properties that help relieve pain and speed up muscle recovery, including:
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Red Ginger
Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory to help reduce muscle inflammation [6].
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Cinnamon
Has antioxidant properties and helps improve blood circulation, thereby speeding up recovery [6].
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Honey
Contains essential nutrients that support muscle regeneration after exercise [5].
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Alpinia Galanga (Galangal)
Helps relieve muscle pain and has natural analgesic properties [7].
In addition to the ingredients listed above, Tolak Linu also contains other herbal ingredients, such as:
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Galangal
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Lempuyang (shampoo ginger)
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Javanese long pepper
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Java turmeric
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Cyperi Rotunda Rhizoma
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Phyllanthi Niruri Herba
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Blumea Balsamifera Folium
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Zingiberis Officinale Rhizoma
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Kaempferia Galanga Rhizoma
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Alyxia Reindwardtii Cortex
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Foeniculli Vulgare Fructus
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Honey
Directions for Use
For maximum benefit, take Sido Muncul Tolak Linu Herbal as directed below:
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Dosage
Take 1 sachet (15 ml) 1–2 times a day before bed or after activities or exercise.
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Minimum Age
This product is suitable for ages 12 and up.
Side Effects
Sido Muncul Tolak Linu Herbal uses natural ingredients that are considered safe, so side effects are uncommon. However, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, consult a doctor before taking this product.
Soreness after exercise is normal and is part of the body’s process of strengthening muscles. By understanding its causes and how to manage it, you can enjoy the benefits of exercise without worrying about the soreness that may follow.
Remember to maintain a healthy diet, warm up, and use herbal products such as Sido Muncul Tolak Linu Herbal to support your body’s recovery.