Why Does Stretching Make You Sore? (And What to Do About It)

When you're trying to get more flexible, you may notice you get sore after stretching. If you experience soreness after stretching, it's not a sign you're doing something wrong. It's a sign that you are working muscles hard! Stretching to improve flexibility involves isometric, eccentric, and even concentric contractions sometimes! That's why your muscles get sore. They aren't just "relaxing" when you stretch. Your stretched muscles are actually working!