Friday, February 4, 2011

Sore? My top 10 list on ways to help.

Make sure you are:

1- Warming up sufficiently before you start your workout.
2- Cooling down sufficiently after your done.
3- Stretching before, after(while you are still warm), and through out the day(the more sore you are, the more frequently you need to take small breaks and stretch). Stretch out really well before bed to help you sleep better. Don't bounce in your stretches. Think slow, and hold.
4- Staying well hydrated with good ol' H2O.
5- Keep moving throughout the day. Not intensely or anything, just keep moving. Cleaning, playing with the kids, walking slowly around the block, all of this will help. When we stop for a long time, we get more stiff. Keep the blood flow pumping through those muscles to help them move that lactic acid out.
6- Putting Ice on a sore joint, or muscle might help. Keep it at 5-10 min ice on and 20 min off, and then repeat if necessary.
7- Elevate your feet. When it is time to sit, put your feet up to help with circulation.
8- Take a warm bath and soak. Maybe use some Epsom salts (like 2 cups). Add essential oils to make it ultra spa like. Eucalyptus, or Lavender are my favs.
9- Rub it out. Gently and slowly. Take a bit of lotion, and just gently rub your muscle, feet, joint whatever. If you find tender spots, don't avoid them just be even softer and help you body release those knots.
10- Take Advil, it helps with the inflammation. Keeps you moving. And just makes it more bearable.

And remember, being sore isn't all bad! You are helping your muscles rebuild and get stronger. It can be a painful process, but one that helps burn more fat/calories, helps you get stronger, and improve over all health. Plus it means you kicked butt on your workout. :)

Good luck healing!

-L.

1 comment:

Crystal Hendrix said...

I am really glad you have written this all out, some things I didn't know before talking to you. And I can definitely tell that icing and moving helps! You don't want to move but as soon as you start you feel better immediately!