Exercise
How muscles work
You have over 600 muscles. They pull on bones to move you, and keep your heart beating.
When to see a doctor
Sudden severe pain or swelling after an injury: see a doctor.
Sudden severe pain or swelling after an injury: see a doctor.
At a glance
Do
- Warm up for 5 minutes
- Breathe steadily and go slowly
- Drink water
Do not
- Do not push through sharp pain
- Do not exercise right after a heavy meal
- Do not compare yourself with others
Before you start 0 / 3
Steps
1
Muscles contract (shorten) and relax in pairs.
2
Exercise creates tiny tears. Rest rebuilds them stronger.
3
Protein, water and sleep feed recovery.
4
Soreness for 1-2 days is normal.
You may also need
Building strength safely
Strong muscles come from good form, rest and food. Growing bodies should avoid very heavy ...
Daily stretching
Five minutes of stretching a day keeps you flexible and relaxed....
Self-massage
Gentle self-massage eases tight muscles and helps you rest....
Acupressure points
Acupressure uses finger pressure on points of the body. It may give comfort, but it is not...
Last reviewed: 31 October 2026 · About and sources
Sources
Compiled from these public health sources. This is education, not medical advice.