Body Design Fitness

The question seems to always pop up, especially when a client is first starting out. Being sore is normal. There are several things that can help your body for the first few weeks of getting in the groove of things. Some of the most obvious things are easily overlooked, but extremely useful. Whens someone first starts to workout, the body uses muscles it is not used to. Use these few tips to help your journey:

 

Epsom salt

Taking a bath in epsom salt will help prevent irritation to muscles and joints. Epsom salt is often used as a home remedy for muscle soreness and strains.

 

Stretching

This one is the most overlooked and the most helpful. When you work out you contract your muscles and the muscle fibers get shorter. Taking 5 to 10 minutes before and after a workout can help your muscles recover much faster. Also, taking a yoga class to just focus on flexibility can increase your strength when working out as well as help with soreness.

 

Drink water

This sounds redundant. Staying hydrated is important, especially when working out. Try to at least drink 8 oz of water (1 cup)  after your workout.

 

Sit in the sauna

Sweating in the sauna will help calm your muscles and make you feel relaxed.

 

Apply heat

Heat is helpful, but not directly after a workout. Using a heating pad right after a workout can cause inflammation. You want to wait at least 30 minutes after your workout so that your body can return to its normal body temperature.

 

Ice

After a tough cardio or strength training session, ice the area you are sore for 20 minutes to reduce inflammation.

 

Keep moving

Even if you are sore, it is important to keep moving. You don’t want to restrict movement in one area because it could cause damage and movement restriction. Massage the spot you are sore if you have to and take it easy, but keep going.