Why Your Muscles Aren't Tight - They're Tired
- Sandy Cole-Cross
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
(And What You Can Do About It)
Ever feel like your body is made of bricks after a workout—or even just after a long day of life-ing? You stretch, foam roll, maybe even complain to your dog about it, but nothing seems to loosen up. Here’s the thing: your muscles might not be tight.They’re tired.
And there's a big difference.
❓Tight vs. Tired—What’s Really Going On?
When most people say they feel "tight," what they often mean is that something feels stiff, restricted, or just plain cranky. But many times, what we’re feeling isn’t actually muscular shortening or lack of flexibility—it’s muscle fatigue, inflammation, or protective tension.
Your body’s smart. When it's overworked, under-recovered, or stressed, your muscles don’t just keep pushing—they brace. They hold tension not because they're just too tight, but because they’re waving a tiny white flag, asking for help.
⚠️ How Tired Muscles Show Up
You feel sore even days after a workout
You wake up stiff even if you didn’t do much the day before
Stretching doesn’t help (or makes it worse)
You feel weaker in a movement you usually crush
Sound familiar? That’s your body telling you:“Hey, I need recovery, not just more effort.”
💆♀️ Why Massage Helps (and How I Approach It)
This is where targeted bodywork can work magic. In my sports massage sessions, we don’t just “relax” muscles—we listen and hone in on what your body’s actually asking for.
Here’s what I focus on:
Reducing inflammation and tension by stimulating circulation
Resetting nervous system signals (because your brain is part of your pain)
Releasing protective patterns—especially around overused joints and fascia
Restoring movement, not just “stretching it out”
Think of it like updating your system software, not just closing all your browser tabs.
✨ Tired Muscles Need More Than Stretching
When you combine bodywork with intentional movement (like yoga, gentle mobility work, or even mindful walks), your body starts to recalibrate. It learns to release that “brace for impact” mode and start moving in sync again.
🌿 P.S. I just made my YouTube YOMO(yoga+mobility) Classes public! I have short to long classes up! I'm sharing some of my simple yoga flows on YouTube to help with this exact thing.Try one if you're feeling stiff and want to reconnect with your body Click Here.
🧠 Quick Self-Check: Is This Muscle Tired or Just Tight?
Ask yourself:
Did I sleep poorly or skip rest days?
Is this area always tight, or is this new?
Have I moved too little—or too much—lately?
Do I feel better after movement or worse?
If the answer is “I’m not sure,” that’s okay. That’s where I come in.
👐 Ready to Help Your Body Recover (for Real)?
If you're local, San Diego, and ready to feel the difference, I offer sessions designed to restore tired muscles, calm your nervous system, and help you reconnect with your body in a way that feels sustainable—not punishing.
📅 BOOK TODAY – or just reach out if you want to chat about what’s going on in your body.
You don’t have to push through pain to feel strong.