Many people gauge the effectiveness of their workouts by how sore they are the next day. Contrary to popular belief, that may not be the best mentality to have!
Post-exercise soreness (called delayed onset muscle fatigue or DOMS) is normal if you are a beginner or have been working out consistently, but have recently changed up your exercise routine. DOMS is actually caused by micro-trauma or tears to your muscles. These tears are the muscles normal reaction to overload (read: how we build muscle). But the pain should decrease over time and if you are sore after every workout, you may not be giving your body enough time to rest, repair and recover. If you continue to be sore after every workout, you are putting yourself a risk for injury and overuse syndromes.
So basically, you should still be able to walk up the stairs, wash your hair, and pick up your children the day after you workout!
Be Healthy. Be Balanced.
-Alicia and Nikki