Working out in the gym feels good until you get home and feel like you’ve been hit with a ton of bricks. The feeling of your muscles aching is the downside to exercising, but it shouldn’t stop you from getting your heart pumping.
Whether you worked out your arms, legs, or glutes, there are a few ways to relieve sore muscles after working out. Below are some things you can do to ease the burn.
Hydrate During & After Your Workout
It may sound obvious, but you must remember to stay hydrated during your workouts. Staying hydrated will keep you from feeling dehydrated and help keep the fluids moving in your system.
This will help ease inflammation and make recovery much easier. Keeping hydrated will also prevent issues like passing out or feeling woozy while working out.
Use an At-Home Massage Device
Aching and sore muscles are uncomfortable, especially in our legs or arms. To help reduce the pain and soreness, you should use an at-home massage gun to kick-start your muscle recovery.
These handheld devices give rapid vibrations that help promote blood flow, which helps loosen the muscles.
If you’re free one weekend, you should consider getting a deep tissue massage for greater relief. However, both methods work perfectly fine for relieving tight muscles.
Eat Within 30 Minutes After Working Out
Another way to relieve sore muscles after working out is by eating. Feed your muscles the nutrients they need to grow and repair, and your sore muscles will feel better.
After working out, you should eat within 30 minutes. Kick-start your night of recovery with protein, greens, fruits, and water. Eating a balanced and healthy meal can rebuild your muscles and fuel them for the next workout.
Do Light Exercise After a Tough Workout
After hitting an intense workout, it’s always best to use the next day as a rest day or do a light exercise. Try to get some gentle movement through activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga.
The key is to relieve your muscles and avoid doing another intense workout using the same muscle groups.
When you’re doing light exercises, your blood will move to the sore muscles and deliver the nutrients and oxygen necessary to restore and refresh for your next workout.
