When we push our bodies to the limit, change happens. And a few days later, you’re still feeling that “change.”
Muscle soreness is one of those feelings that you love and hate at the same time. You know that the soreness means your muscles are getting stronger, but when you’re facing the set of stairs you have to take up to your office, it doesn’t feel so hot.
So it was totally worth it to get that PR on your deadlift, even if your muscles are screaming the next day. The good news is that with a few simple tricks of the trade, you can relieve muscle soreness and not have to dread the stairs!
Top 5 Ways to Relieve Sore Muscles
Here are five of our favorite ways to relieve sore muscles!
1. Massage It Out
An excuse to get a massage? We’ll take it! Use a foam roller or enlist a sports masseuse to help relieve sore muscles. Massaging increases blood flow to the muscles, which helps speed up recovery. It also helps to relieve that feeling of tightness, so you might actually be able to straighten your arms a little bit, even if you just knocked out 150 pull-ups.
2. Pack In the Protein
Consuming protein immediately post-workout has been proven to lessen the onset of muscle soreness. The best way to do this is with a liquid form of protein so that it reaches the muscles as quickly as possible. The whey protein isolate found in About Time ProHydrate is the ideal form of protein post-workout. Plus, it tastes so good without any artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors at only 95 calories a pop. Scroll down for the recovery smoothie recipe!
3. Keep Training
Wait, what? This one may come as a bit of a surprise, but a bit of light crosstraining or cardio can be just what your body needs to feel looser and less sore. A workout gets the blood flowing to muscles, which aids in recovery. Get your heart rate up, and soon, your muscles will feel new. A proper warm-up is key here (and for every workout), as jumping straight into a workout is always bad news for muscles, whether fresh or sore.
4. Drink Your Cherries
Tart cherry juice has quickly become the biggest solution for relieving sore muscles, as the antioxidants found in cherries are known for reducing inflammation. Adding cherries or tart cherry juice to a smoothie post-workout is a sure way to replenish your body with soreness-fighting compounds.
5. Take a Bath
Settle in for a nice soak in the tub in order to relieve sore muscles. For an extra muscle-saving boost, add a scoop of Epsom salt. The nutrients found in Epsom salt can be absorbed through the skin and are known for reducing inflammation. In addition, Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body, which means your muscles will function properly and recover more quickly.
