Even though this is a natural physiological reaction, it\u2019s still something you\u2019ll want to watch. Unsteady muscles after you use your maximum effort are part of your body\u2019s cry for some rest. From an athletic trainer\u2019s perspective, the signal means: \u201cHey, it\u2019s time to sit down. Don\u2019t go hurt yourself,\u201d said Patrick Maloney<\/a>, the lead athletic trainer at Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine in New Orleans. <\/p>\n When this physical shakiness occurs, it means your nerves are short-circuiting and are having trouble communicating with your muscles, Jagim said, because of the rapid onset of fatigue your training is causing. So your body \u201ccan\u2019t initiate muscle contraction and relaxing like it normally does,\u201d Jagim explained. <\/p>\n It\u2019s \u201ca temporary state of fatigue, and it\u2019s largely due to the disruption to just how our nervous system and muscles can communicate with one another,\u201d Jagim said.<\/p>\n Your muscles are fueled by different types of energy stored in your body, depending on your workout, Maloney said. \u201cThe reason that your muscles are getting shaky and they\u2019re unable to produce that high-quality contraction is basically they\u2019re low on energy,\u201d Maloney said. \u201cYou\u2019ve exhausted all of your storages.\u201d<\/p>\n Some fitness regimens recommend doing as many reps as possible, which can make your muscles feel shaky. \u201cIf you\u2019re trying to achieve max weight you can lift or max speed, you want to approach those thresholds\u201d that can cause a jelly-like muscle reaction, Maloney said. <\/p>\n But know that it\u2019s not necessary to do this to get fit. \u201cIt\u2019s not something that\u2019s absolutely needed for you to get stronger or get faster or see improvement,\u201d Jagim said. <\/p>\n \u2018Jelly muscles\u2019 can be normal but prolonged shakiness or pain is not. Here are some red flags that need further attention.<\/p>\n Some shakiness is typical for beginners, but there\u2019s a critical difference between your muscles feeling like jelly and feeling sore and hurt days after your workout.<\/p>\n![\""Jelly](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/69fa18d718000055f2a3945c.jpeg\")
“Jelly legs” are normal after a hard hike or run, and the feeling typically passes after a short period of time. But listen to your body if it doesn’t.<\/p>\n