Whether you’ve hit a new PB in the gym or powered through an intense spin session, that familiar ache the next day is something most of us know well.
Muscles feel heavy, movements slow down, and even climbing the stairs can feel like a challenge. This is known as DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) — a normal part of training, but one that can impact performance if not managed properly.
The good news? With the right approach, you can support recovery and keep your body moving.
What Is DOMS?
DOMS refers to the muscle stiffness and soreness that develops after exercise, particularly when your body is exposed to:
- High-intensity workouts
- New or unfamiliar movements
- Increased training load
Symptoms typically appear 24–48 hours after exercise and can last for several days.
What Causes Muscle Soreness?
During exercise — especially strength training — your muscles experience tiny micro-tears.
This triggers a natural repair process involving:
- Inflammation
- Increased blood flow
- Muscle repair and rebuilding
While this process is essential for building strength and resilience, it’s also what causes the discomfort associated with DOMS.
CBD & Muscle Recovery
CBD (Cannabidiol) interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating functions such as stress response, inflammation, and recovery.
While research is still evolving, CBD is commonly used to support:
- Post-exercise recovery
- A balanced inflammatory response
- Overall physical wellbeing
When combined with effective recovery habits, CBD may help support your body as it repairs and rebuilds.
You can incorporate CBD into your routine with:
Top Tips to Improve Muscle Recovery
Stay Active (Light Movement)
It might feel like the last thing you want to do, but gentle movement can help reduce stiffness and improve circulation.
Try:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Light stretching
Massage & Foam Rolling
After around 48 hours, gentle massage or foam rolling can:
- Reduce tension
- Improve blood flow
- Support muscle relaxation
Use Heat Therapy
Applying heat — such as a warm bath or heat patch — can help:
- Relax muscles
- Ease stiffness
- Promote recovery
Prioritise Rest & Sleep
Sleep is where recovery really happens.
During deep sleep, your body:
- Repairs muscle tissue
- Regulates hormones
- Restores energy
Improving sleep quality can significantly enhance your recovery process.
Recovery Is Part of Performance
Recovery is no longer an afterthought — it’s a key part of any effective fitness routine.
From elite athletes to everyday gym-goers, prioritising recovery helps maintain performance, reduce injury risk, and support long-term progress.
Train Hard, Recover Smarter
Muscle soreness is a natural part of getting stronger — but it doesn’t have to slow you down.
By combining smart recovery strategies with supportive products like CBD, you can help your body:
- Recover more efficiently
- Stay mobile
- Perform consistently
Because real progress isn’t just about how hard you train — it’s about how well you recover.
