> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://james-ebook.gitbook.io/key-words-for-fluency/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://james-ebook.gitbook.io/key-words-for-fluency/section-13-your-body/muscle.md).

# Muscle

## Common expressions

* *build up / develop* your muscles
* relax / **tense** your muscles
* massage (tense) muscles
* **pull a muscle**
* (a bath) **soothes** tired muscles
* muscles feel stiff

## Exercise

### Common expressions

1. Try not to ***tense*** the muscles in your stomach so much. Breathe out slowly and try to relax them.
2. I *use weights in the gym* to ***build up*** my muscles.
3. Our best player won’t be able to play on Saturday because he's ***pulled*** a muscle.
4. After a hard day at work, I get my wife to ***massage*** the tense muscles in my back.
5. My leg muscles usually **feel** stiff for days after I've run a marathon.
6. After the football match, I had a long, hot bath to ***soothe*** my tired and aching leg muscles.

## Note

**Note this expression:**

*How can the guards at the palace gates stand for hours without moving a muscle?*