No sure fire way to prevent muscle soreness after a workout. There are a few ways to make it more tolerable:

- stretch before and after each workout as well as every day. 20 min of stretching per 1 hr of lifting is a good starting point.

- Hydration. Be adequately hydrated all the time. Remember, it takes 24+ hours to properly hydrate for a single event. Start a habit ot always drinking water now.

- Don't over do it. Stop before you start losing form and risk injuring yourself.

- Use ice/heat after your workout on affected muscles and a massage if you can afford it/ your other half can do it.

- Eat well, eat right. Foods with lots of Potassium will help ease the soreness (bananas, potatoes, etc...)

- did I mention STRETCH?!?