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If you’re a fitness enthusiast, muscle soreness is probably no stranger to you. Soreness is one of the few downsides to vigorous exercise, and it is a result of the thousands of micro muscle tears created during training. But being sore can really hamper your workout plans for the week. So if you pushed a little too hard on your last leg day and can’t walk, or you’re just trying to speed up your recovery time, these five methods might help to get you moving again!
Cold Bath: You see professional football players icing down after games for a reason, it works. You can get similar benefits in a cold tub with a few handfuls of ice. Aim for a water temperature of 55 degrees, and stay in anywhere from 1-5 minutes.
Compression: Compressing your muscles after a workout will definitely leave you less sore. The day after a workout, wear compression shorts or a compression shirt, depending on what hurts.
Active Recovery: This can be nearly any form of light exercise. A long walk, a swim, a bike ride, or whatever you want should help. Anything that gets your muscles moving and your blood flowing will reduce inflammation and muscle soreness.
Tempo Showers: Hop in the shower and use the hottest water you can tolerate without burns for a minute. Immediately switch the water to cold for another minute. Repeat this cycle 4-5 times. (Again – don’t go so crazy that you burn!)
The next time your new workout program has you hobbling out of bed in the morning; give these smart steps a shot and get back to work!
