Feeling Sore But You Haven’t Moved a Muscle?
No gym session, no long walk, no heavy lifting. Just the usual day at the desk. But your body feels like you’ve been wrestling furniture.
Why?
I hear this from clients sometimes.
And often, it’s less about “what you’ve done” and more about “what you haven’t done.”
Your body is about 60% water and that fluid isn’t just sloshing around in one big pool, it’s distributed through every cell, muscle, and layer of connective tissue (fascia) in your body. Your fascia is like a web that wraps around and through your muscles, helping them glide, move, and function smoothly.
When you’re moving regularly, you’re not just working your muscles, you’re helping that fluid circulate through the fascia and tissues. It’s like a gentle pump that keeps everything hydrated from the inside out.
But when you don’t move enough, that fluid distribution slows down. Your fascia can start to feel sticky or compressed, like gladwrap that’s been sitting too long in the drawer. This can create that achy, “I must have done something” feeling – even when you haven’t.
It’s not just about avoiding stiffness.
Well-hydrated fascia supports better muscle recovery, joint range, and even how quickly you bounce back from injuries. Without that regular movement-driven hydration, you can feel tighter, slower, and more prone to niggles.
So, what does this mean for you?
- Small, frequent movement matters. You don’t have to smash out an hour-long workout – even a few minutes here and there helps keep things flowing.
- Move in 3D. Twist, reach, bend, and shift your weight – your fascia loves variety.
- Pair water with motion. Drinking water is important, but movement helps it reach the places it’s needed most.
Next time you feel sore for “no reason,” ask yourself: Have I actually moved today?
Your body might just be craving a hydration boost, from the inside out, powered by movement.
