Natural Ways to Relieve Muscle Soreness

by | Mar 11, 2015 | Team Fierce Fit & Fabulous

Natural Ways to Relieve Muscle Soreness

muscle

Muscle soreness and discomfort are a normal part of any exercise routine. Whenever you begin a program, increase the intensity of your workout, or try some new exercises, it’s common for your muscles to feel sore 12-48 hours after your workout ends. If you’re looking for ways to treat muscle soreness that don’t involve medications or a trip to the doctor, then these tools and techniques are for you!

Foam Roller

A foam roller is an inexpensive piece of equipment (found at most sporting goods stores) that is used for Screen Shot 2015-03-11 at 3.52.30 PMself-massage (also called myofascial release) and helps break up knots in sore or tight muscles.  (The Foam Roller is one of my favorite tools in my Workout Gear)

Heat

Applying heat increases blood flow to the affected area and helps relax sore muscles, which is why some people like to use a steam room or sauna after a hard workout. (Just make sure you’re well-hydrated and totally cooled down before going in. Your session should not last more than 15 minutes.) Do not apply heat if you have a recent injury or inflammation, as that can make the problem worse. You can also use a heating pad, take a hot bath or shower, or soak in a hot tub.

Gentle Stretching

There’s debate about whether or not stretching will help prevent muscle soreness. Even if it doesn’t, stretching can help keep you from getting stiff after a hard workout, and helps loosen up tight muscles. (Just be sure to warm up first!)Screen Shot 2015-03-11 at 3.52.17 PM

Yoga

Yoga can help improve flexibility and strength, as well as provide relaxation through deep breathing and meditation. Even if there isn’t research-backed proof that yoga directly relieves muscle soreness, it can still help you feel better both physically and mentally. Some forms of yoga are more strenuous than others, so look for gentle, beginner, and rejuvenating styles of yoga to help with soreness.

Active Recovery

It’s tempting to sit on the couch when you’re sore from yesterday’s workout, but that’s the last thing you should do! Light physical activity gets the blood flowing and will help with muscle soreness while not moving (which might feel good in the moment) can prolong your soreness and make it harder to get moving again sooner. Keep things easy with a short walk, and easy bike ride or jog, or a gentle yoga class. It might be uncomfortable for the first few minutes, but as your muscles get loose you’ll feel much better.

Remember: Listen to Your Body

Screen Shot 2015-03-11 at 3.52.03 PMIt’s normal to experience some muscle soreness when you’ve recently started a new activity or increased the intensity of your current routine. But if you are so sore that you can barely get out of bed the next morning, that may be a sign that you’ve done too much. Exercise shouldn’t be painful or create so much discomfort that it interferes with your life for days after. Starting small and slowly increasing the intensity of your workout will ensure that your routine stays challenging without being overwhelming.