If you just increased the intensity of your workout or maybe engaged in a bigger workout than your muscles could really handle, you might be feeling a bit sore the following day. When muscles are sore, sometimes all you need to do is take it easy for a day and let the muscles rest, but when you need more, here are some tips.
As they say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this means that before you work out, you need to get your muscles warmed up. There are many exercises that help you raise your heart rate and send blood pumping through your body, which gets your muscles ready to work. A few minutes of warming up is one of the best ways to reduce stiffness and avoid muscle strains.
If you are past the point of no return, however, and the muscles are already yelling at you, it is wise to take it easy on your muscles. While rest might be required for a serious strain, a lighter pain needs less rest and will benefit from some careful movement. Get up and move around a little every few hours, and while it might be painful, being stiff can put you at risk for further injury.
While you might be tempted to use a heating pad on a sore muscle, it can be better to use ice instead. If you just finished a tough workout and are worried that you might have hurt a muscle, jump into a cool shower to soothe those muscles. Also, skip your big run or hike and opt for a swim. If you choose to exercise, this is far easier are sore muscles.
You are what you eat, so feed your muscles some yummy and healthy foods that are known to be anti-inflammatory. These include fruits and vegetables high in either vitamin C or E, as well as nuts and some types of Omega-3-rich fish. In addition, turmeric has been found to be helpful for both muscles and joints, and turmeric supplements are available in most health food stores. In addition to eating well, avoid junk food and especially sugar as these bad foods can slow down the healing process.
Another helpful tip would be to apply a physiological hybrid shape to your sore muscles, such as those created by RapidForce. These shapes are created with specific muscle groups in mind, and they adhere to the skin with a strong, hypoallergenic adhesive. They are easy to apply and protect a sore muscle while at the same time garnering strength from a nearby muscle. You can find hybrid shapes for the back, shoulders, elbows and knees.
Kamryn Mattson enjoys writing about health topics. For additional details about muscle soreness remedy products, or to find a back pain relief product, please check out the RapidForce site today.