How to prevent post-exercise myalgia?

Stretching, heat: It is very important to stretch before and after exercise. Yoga or tai chi can also be used. Also, a hot bath or shower can help. Finally, an anti-inflammatory medicine like alleve or an analgesic like tylenol (acetaminophen) can help (assuming your kidney and liver function are normal and you have not contraindications or allergies to these medicines). Supplements like magnesium or coenzyme q10 can help.

Many: Gradual introduction to exercise, gradual increase in exercise frequency and intensity, proper conditioning and strengthening, adequate warm-up and cool down, proper hydration before during and after exercise, post-exercise ice bath or ice packs, use of a foam roller or massage, refueling within 60 minutes post-exercise with ~150-200 calories of a protein & carb snack (3 grams carb:1gram protein).

It is a good thing: No pain, no gain. It you do not have some muscle soreness after exercise, you are not getting the maximum results.