Starting a new or different exercise routine usually leads to aching and sore muscles. Do not use this as a reason to quit exercising!
Here are a few tips to help soothe your aching muscles:
- Ice: put ice on your sore muscles for 10-15 minutes. Remember those bags of frozen broccoli stored in the back of your freezer? These would work perfectly right about now! Put them on your legs (or wherever you are sore) and let them go to work. When you are done, cook up the broccoli and you’ve just killed two birds with one stone!
- Keep it moving! The worst thing you can do for sore legs is to just sit on your couch or bed all day long. Keep yourself in motion with some easy walking, swimming, or biking to help reduce the build up of lactic acid. (this is what is causing the soreness) It may feel awkward at first, but give it a few minutes and you will feel much better!
- Massage: have someone work gently on your sore muscles or use a foam roller.
- Stretch: Do some gentle yoga or easy stretching. Push just to the point of tension, NOT pain. It should make you feel better, not worse. Always remember to warm up your muscles prior to stretching.
- Rest: Give yourself a day off every week from intense exercise. Your body needs time to regenerate and repair itself.
How do you ease your aching muscles?
{ 13 comments }
I do all of the above. All play an important role in my recovery. Nice post!
Mark Salinass last blog post..Pilates With Christine Kambourakis
Just last week I did squats for the first time in about a month. Well, guess what…major soreness about a day later. I can really relate to #2 (keep moving). I was at work in meetings much of the week, and when I would get up, I felt like I couldn’t hardly move for about 30 seconds. After moving around, things slowly (I stress slowly) got better. I’ll have to try the broccoli trick. Works as ice and a snack!! Now, if I could just convince my kids to eat the snack with me…
Lances last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
did I read that correctly?
youre offering to come and massage me?
MizFits last blog post..Monday Facetime. Lunges.
This is a great reminder after my weekend of movement. I ran 2 miles Saturday morning, walked around the State Fair that afternoon then went kayaking on Sunday.
Maybe I’ll do a long walk today over lunch.
KathyHowes last blog post..Is there a need for Professional Outdoorsy Person cuz I’d totally apply for the job.
As we get older, (surprising that it’s never, “as we get younger”) muscles, ligaments and bones just don’t seem to want to work without a little pain to remind you of that fact. How to ease that discomfort after trying something new has always been an issue, but these are some great tips especially the broccoli two-for.
Tom Rooneys last blog post..MizFit Should be Part of Your Healthy Blog Reading
I always have to keep moving or I swear my muscles go into rigor mortis. A hot shower always feels nice too…
Fit Bottomed Girlss last blog post..When Your Body Fails You
Kathy, sounds like you had a very active weekend. Good for you! I hope you got that walk in today.
FBGirls–great idea with the hot shower!
I’ll have to show this too hubby. I need a massage….long overdue! I worked out Sat and Sun so feeling a little sore today during my pushups!
Annettes last blog post..
Great tips. I just started a dance class last week, and I’m sure going to use some of these suggestions!
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Sarah (Real Life)s last blog post..Sarah’s Many Voices: My First Podcast
I am a big fan of ice, it helps a lot, as for rest, well, you know, big fan of that too!
Alices last blog post..
Definitely ice! icy ice! Definitely good for my shin splits. Would love a weekly massage, but unfortunately it’s just not in the budget
I found that warming up before a run – I try to walk at least a 1/2 mile first – really helps with avoiding some aches and pains.
MIssicats last blog post..Stay tuned…
thanks for all of the great tips. i do all of the above other than the foam roller! that is new to me… i am going to find me one of those! thanks again!
Normal to Natalies last blog post..Thursday Thirteen – 15th Edition
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