No pain, no gain — right? Wrong. You don’t have to suffer after trying a new activity, upping the intensity of your workout, or starting a new fitness program. Here are some tips to help you avoid the post-activity body ache.
- Always warm up before any activity. Stretch the muscles that you’ll be using.
- Always cool down after an activity. Move gently until your heart rate and breathing are back to normal.
- Try rolling your muscles out with a foam roller before and after exercising.
- Alternate your workouts with gentle stretching or yoga. Gentle exercise will help your body recover from the harder workout.
- Alternate your workouts with a day at the pool. Swimming uses different muscles, or uses the same muscles differently.
- Don’t push yourself too hard. Effort is good, but too much effort can leave you miserable and in pain. Your goal isn’t to be in pain at the end of the day!
- Take a shower after you finish your workout. Alternate the temperature to help soothe your muscles. Follow thirty seconds of cool water with a minute of hot water.
- Take a bath and soak the soreness away. Add your favorite scented bath salts to help you relax, or grab the Epsom salts.
- Indulge in a gentle massage or ask your spouse for a rubdown after you’ve been active. Look here for tips on giving a good massage — just in case you’re asked for one in return!
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your activity. Your body needs water and lots of it.
- Harness the power of your mind. Visualize yourself as healthy and pain free. There’s a lot to be said for the power of mind over matter!
- Give your body the fuel it needs — protein for building muscles and carbohydrates for lasting energy.
- Potassium can help your body recover from a tough workout or a new activity. Try bananas or yogurt to give your body a potassium boost.