When you’re just starting to workout, it’s recommended that you strength train 2-3 times per week. But, whether you’re a beginner or you’ve already been training for years, no one is immune to muscle aches.
Experiencing aches and pains after a workout isn’t uncommon, but you also don’t have to deal with that pain for days. If you experience any type of severe pain in your muscles that is impeding on your quality of life, you may want to consider osteopathy.
But, if you’re just tired of feeling sore after strength training, we’ve got you covered with some helpful, soothing tips on how to ease sore muscles after a workout.
Don’t Stop Moving
Your first instinct after a long workout might be to flop down on the couch and binge-watch your favorite show. While rest is incredibly important for your muscles, don’t fall into the temptation to stop moving right away.
Your muscles will actually end up feeling better if you continue with some light activity the following day or two. Take a leisurely walk, go for a swim, or ride your bike.
Let Your Muscles Recover
We touched on the fact that rest is important, but how you rest is really the key. Since you should strength train 2-3 times a week, try to use the following cycle:
- Train
- Light exercise
- Rest
This pattern gives your body time to adjust and replenish itself, so you’re ready for your next intense workout. Rest and recovery give your sore muscles a chance to repair themselves. That helps them to get stronger, and as you continue your workouts, you won’t feel so much pain as they build up endurance.
Get A Massage
If you can’t seem to soothe your sore muscles yourself, it’s worth it to get a massage. You can either have a loved one work out those kinks, or get a professional massage. It’s a fantastic way to ease the pain while improving blood flow in your muscles. A massage can also improve your joints and increase your range of motion, which can benefit your workouts.
Use Anti-Inflammatory Solutions
Usually, muscles are sore after a workout because of inflammation. Thankfully, over-the-counter medications, creams, and ointments can help to soothe that swelling and provide you with relief. Some people have even turned to alternative applications like CBD oil to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find products that work for you.
If you do decide to use some type of product to help with inflammation, make sure you understand the ingredients and what they are supposed to do. It’s usually better to choose a product with natural ingredients, as they tend to have a lower risk of side effects.
Feeling sore after a workout can cause you to lose your motivation, so it’s important to find relief as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that sore muscles mean change is happening, and you’re actually doing something good for your body. So, use these tips to ease those muscles, so you can find a healthy strength training routine you can stick with.
*collaborative post
