The new year is here and odds are you’re back in the gym kicking some major butt – way to go! What you also may notice is you’re having some pretty sore muscles and not sure why or how to make it go away. Did you do leg day on Monday and still can’t sit down on the toilet without holding the wall? Are the stairs your worst nightmare? Fear not my fit friends it happens to all of us. Here are some tips to help you feel a bit less sore after your next workout.
- Start chugging those BCAAs. What are BCAAs you may ask – it stands for branch chain amino acids. After, and even during, my workouts I sip on water that has been mixed with 1-2 scoops of BCAA powder. I like the flavors pineapple and lemon lime so my two favorite products are Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy in Pineapple
and RSP Nutrition Re-Gen in Lemon Lime
. I drink this all day long to help my muscles and muscle fibers to repair and recover, which helps to prevent as much muscle soreness. Not only does it help aid in soreness it also makes your water taste delicious!
- Look into buying a foam roller.
I used one after my workout years ago and was hooked. Rolling on a foam roller helps to break down the lactic acid that is in your muscles after a hard workout. I like to roll on this on my back, lower back, glutes, hamstrings and calves after my workout for about 10 minutes and it has helped a ton in me not getting as sore.
- Make sure to stretch. I know that time is precious and we barely even have time to get our workout in, but I suggest finding at least five minutes after every workouts to cool down, walk on the treadmill and then find a quiet spot and stretch. It’s relaxing and it also helps to bring your heart rate down after a strenuous lifting session or cardio set.
Remember that feeling sore is normal and expected, but feeling pain is not. If you feel pain and it doesn’t go away after a few days make sure to go see your doctor. I also suggest to add 2 rest days in every week to allow your body time to repair and recover.
Connect with me on social media:
