Statistics show that nearly 75 percent of the population is engaging in some type of workout each week, with many doing multiple exercise programs during a seven-day span. That’s a pretty large amount of people putting a strain on their bodies. Why do we do it? Because we know about the physical health benefits that workouts bring to those who perform them. And it makes us look better and feel better too.
That feeling better part has to come with a small asterisk to it, however. Anyone who has ever done a strenuous workout knows that in the aftermath, either directly following the conclusion or even up to a few days later, soreness in the muscles that you strengthened can occur. At times the aches and pains are mild, but they can also be so severe as to be almost debilitating at times. Knowing how to combat this soreness is crucial, or else you might not want to endure future workouts.
If you need products or medication to help you combat the soreness, it’s a good idea to have access to at home healthcare supplies at all times. Here are some of the other methods of beating the post-workout soreness blues.
Get In A Stretch
Loosening up tight muscles is a good idea before a workout, but many people neglect to stretch after a workout when it is just as if not more important. Stretching is a good way to lengthen muscles and keep them from getting too stiff. Find a quick five-minute routine that isn’t too strenuous but also hits the muscles that you worked out. Put it right at the end of your session. You’ll find that you might be able to nip many of your post-workout aches and pains in the bud before they begin.
Heat and Ice
You’ll hear different advice about which method is best to use to help deal with sore muscles. What it essentially comes down to is this: Heat is better for immediate relief but ice is better in the long term. If you find that relaxing in a sauna soothes those worn-out muscles, you should go ahead and do it. But the application of ice on a sore muscle is actually the thing that will remove soreness faster. A combination of both is a good idea.
Massage It Out
A good massage is always an effective post-workout pain reliever. The only issue is getting someone to perform it. Maybe you know a good masseuse or masseur who can do the job at a reasonable price. Or, if the cost of that is too prohibitive, your significant other might be able to handle it for you; just make sure they read up on the proper technique so they don’t aggravate the pain instead of healing it. If you’re alone after a workout, foam rollers are welcome devices which can help you massage away the soreness on your own.
So feel free to work out with vigor, knowing you have these remedies in your arsenal. You can get in shape and not have to suffer in between your exercise sessions.
