Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Vascular Surgeon · Vascular Surgery
Yes, you can feel pain in your muscles while doing exercises to improve cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. Pain in this situation is completely normal and actually serves as a signal that your body is adapting and getting stronger.
Cardiovascular endurance exercise, like running or cycling, works the entire body’s muscle system by pushing it to work harder than it normally does. During this process, lactic acid builds up in the muscles which causes a burning sensation: this is what we call “muscle burn” or "delayed onset muscle soreness" (DOMS). As DOMS increases with each subsequent workout, our exercising muscles adapt for increased strength over time - leading to improved performance and enhanced physical condition.
Flexibility exercises involve stretching our muscles beyond their current range of motion. This strengthens connective tissue around joints and tendons which helps reduce injury risk during activity. As you stretch further each session, the strain on these areas can create a sharp pain that often stops us from performing full movements. However, when done properly with attention paid to breathing techniques (inhale/ exhale), gradual progression of stretches; and regular recovery periods; these pains will decrease -and through continued practice- totally dissipate as our bodies become used to greater ranges of motion!
Pain should not be ignored but rather embraced as we strive forward towards reaching peak physical fitness!