Ever been through a tough workout that left you feeling sore for days? Call me strange, but I kind of like that feeling. It gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing I crushed another gym session. But sometimes muscle soreness is really just…a pain. Luckily, there are solutions to ease the pain and still make gains.
Get a rub down. A deep tissue massage can help flush out lactic acid build up–the stuff that makes your quads burn when you’re lunging. A good rub down, however, is most effective immediately after your workout.
Stretch out. Stretching helps release tension in tight, fiber-torn muscles. When you can’t splurge on a professional massage, hit the mat for a few simple stretches post-workout. Be gentle and be slow, holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds.
Spread it on. Can’t take another day of straining just to wash your hair? You can get more immediate relief with a topical pain relief cream, such as NatraBio The Arnica Rub. These types of solutions are fast-absorbing and can temporarily reduce muscle pain and swelling, so you can go on about your day with comfort and ease.
Drink it up. My go-to for muscle recovery is always glutamine. This amino acid is helpful in maintaining a healthy ammonia/nitrogen balance, which is important for muscle metabolism. I add a scoop of Dymatize Glutamine to my post-workout shake and drink as soon as I finish my last rep.
Because you work hard and stay motivated, muscle soreness is inevitable. But following these simple steps will help speed up the process, so you feel on the up and up before the pain can set in.