Why do my biceps hurt after working out?

Author: Mr. Otis Kihn DVM  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Feeling your muscles ache or stiffen for a few days after exercise is normal and is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It can affect people of all fitness levels, particularly after trying a new activity or pushing yourself a bit harder than usual.

Is it normal for biceps to hurt after a workout?

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)

Many people experience DOMS after working out. DOMS usually happens when someone either starts or expands their exercise regime. It can affect any muscle in the body, including the biceps.

How do you get rid of sore biceps?

Treatment
  1. Rest: Avoid using the injured muscle as much as possible.
  2. Ice: Apply ice packs to the bruised area a few times per day for 20 minutes at a time, making sure that the ice is not directly touching the skin.
  3. Compression: Wrap the upper arm in a bandage.
  4. Elevate: Keep the arm lifted above heart level.

Does sore biceps mean growth?

There is no science that supports the idea that soreness is an indicator of muscular growth.

Should you workout if your biceps are still sore?

According to Vagy, you can exercise with sore muscles as long as you no longer feel achy and worn out after your warm-up. “This is a telltale sign that the muscles are now ready to exercise because your body has done a better job adapting to stress,” says Vagy.

How to Reduce Muscle Soreness | Dr. Andy Galpin & Dr. Andrew Huberman

How many times a week should I workout?

do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week. spread exercise evenly over 4 to 5 days a week, or every day. reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity.

Should I do push ups if my biceps are sore?

Push-ups involve lifting your body weight with your arms, leading to more inflammation and pain. Even once you feel you're recovering, we'd recommend starting with gentle wall pushups, followed by pushups off your knees only when you feel comfortable that it won't cause pain.

How long should my bicep be sore for?

Many cases of biceps tendonitis will go away within a few weeks of simple measures, including rest, ice and NSAIDs. But if your pain makes it difficult to perform your usual daily activities and self-care hasn't improved your condition, you should see your healthcare provider for further treatment.

How do I know if I am gaining muscle?

5 Secret Signs You're Building Muscles
  • Increased Strength. Even without documented muscle growth, you're making gains if you're getting stronger. ...
  • The Scale is Going Up. ...
  • Your Workouts Feel Easier. ...
  • Your Posture Is Better. ...
  • You're Recovering Faster from Your Workouts. ...
  • Summing It Up.

Are biceps hard to grow?

The biceps muscle is a small muscle group and limited to elbow flexion only. Clients can experience issues when trying to build bigger biceps because they simply do too much. This happens as a result of adding too many isolation exercises on top of the main compound exercises of each workout.

Is it good to massage sore biceps?

Massage will help your muscles heal. Rubbing the muscles and using pressure facilitates circulation by breaking up congested areas and then allowing a flush of blood with the release of pressure. This increase in blood flow to muscle tissue feeds your cells both oxygen and nutrients.

Should I workout if I'm sore after 2 days?

"Working out when sore is okay as long as it isn't affecting your movement to the point where it's causing you to compensate and do something in a way that's unsafe," says Dr. Hedt. "Muscle soreness can be a deterrent to exercising, but it's temporary and the more you exercise, the less you should feel it.

Why can't I fully extend my arm after a workout?

The soreness can sometimes feel so extreme that you might even have trouble straightening out your arms for a few days. So, why does this happen, and what's the fix? If you can't straighten your arms after an exercise, the reason is likely delayed onset muscle soreness.

How do you fix sore biceps?

Rest: Resting until the pain dies down will help the muscle heal. Ice: Using an ice pack several times per day for no more than 20 minutes at a time can help reduce the swelling. Compression: Wrapping the muscle firmly in a bandage may also help ease the swelling.

How sore is too sore?

Soreness is considered normal if it occurs between 24-72 hours after a workout, and if it does not prevent you from completing normal daily activities. If it lasts longer than this, or is so intense that it prevents you from functioning normally, it could be a sign of significant damage.

How long does it take for your biceps to recover from the gym?

In the beginning, if you perform lightweight low-impact exercises, your bicep muscles will recover within 24 hours. However, more intense and challenging bicep workouts lead to muscle fatigue of a greater degree that can last for up to 2-3 days.

How long should I workout a day?

As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight, keep off lost weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Cutting down on sitting time is important, too.

Am I getting fat or is it muscle?

In general, weight gain from fat will result in a softer appearance, while weight gain from muscle will leave you looking leaner and feeling stronger. The most accurate way to assess any change in your body composition is through body composition testing.

Does bicep pain mean growth?

Believe it or not, soreness isn't synonymous with building muscle. “You do not have to have muscle soreness to build muscle or increase your fitness level,” says Vardiman. You might feel tight or tired, but not particularly sore after you work out.

Should I stop working out if my bicep hurts?

The most important thing you can do for biceps tendonitis is to take it easy. If you feel discomfort or pain during any exercise for your tendonitis, stop and rest. You can use ice and standard pain relievers to reduce swelling and soreness.

How to avoid a bicep tear?

Bicep tear or strain prevention
  1. Warm-up before any exercise or sporting activity.
  2. Stretch after exercising or playing sports.
  3. Avoid sudden intense strength training and build strength gradually.

Which push-up is best for biceps?

Diamond Push-Ups

Traditional push-ups target your chest, shoulders, triceps, and abs. But making a few tweaks to your push-up form will let you target your biceps. Diamond push-ups get their name from the shape your hands take during the exercise and force your arms closer together to help you train your biceps.

How many rest days a week?

But most people should aim for 1 to 3 rest days per week. You can use your rest days to support recovery by doing light exercise and working on mobility. Your workout schedule may not always go as planned. So listen to your body and take a rest day when you feel depleted or have unusual aches and pains.

Previous article
Will dried out bulbs grow?
Next article
What color cancels out dark spots?