If you are starting a new fitness routine, muscle soreness can hang around like a dark shadow. If you are anything like me, sore muscles can easily steal all of your motivation to working out. Its uncomfortable, and you don’t feel like doing anything but curling up on the couch when your muscles are sore..
However, it’s important to keep moving and take proper care of your body. The best thing to do is to keep moving through out the day. Getting your heart rate up first thing in the morning when you notice some soreness will help your muscles heal quicker and help you continue to move towards your goals.
Here are three tips to help you combat that muscle soreness as quickly as possible!
1. Complete a proper cool down and stretch after each workout! This can be an easy thing to skip. After your workout, you are tired, ready to sleep or to move on to the rest of your day. But the cool down and stretch at the end of your workout is just as important as the warm up and the actual work out. Cooling down your body, stretching and controlled breathing after an intense workout will helps your body regulate and recover better between each session.
2. Take a warm bath. Taking a bath when your muscles are sore will help loosen tight, sore muscles and help improve your circulation, which also speeds up the process. Fill up the tub, add in some epsom salt or magnesium flakes and simply relax.. (Don’t have a bath? Try a hot cold hot cold shower. Yes, they aren’t the most fun thing but trust me, it works!!)
3. Don’t skip your workouts! While it is tempting to skip your workout, it is better to stay active and get your blood pumping. ( If you are super sore and have planned a high intensity workout, it may be better to simply get a brisk walk or light jog in, but whatever you do, just keep moving!!) Keeping your scheduled workouts will allow your body to adjust to the process quicker, and will keep you moving forward with your progress.