So in Andover we are few weeks into our session and New Hope's 10-week session is underway. We are sure you are filled with excitement, fitness goals, and………….SORE muscles! I remember my first 10 week session, after the first few days I felt like a zombie that had been hit by a truck. Sore muscles are never comfortable, but wear them with a badge of honor knowing that you pushed your body harder than ever before. On the days when I am really sore relief is definitely in order — here are my go-to ways of easing sore muscles.
Whether it's a hot tub, steam or sauna room, or just a soak
in my tub at home, a little heat always does wonders for sore muscles — I always
feel less stiff and more relaxed. Applying heat to muscles reduces pain by
increasing blood flow to the area, which helps the small muscle tears causing
the pain heal faster.
I find that after working out, lengthening sore muscle fibers
by stretching eases possible post-workout pain. Although, studies have found
that stretching doesn't relieve the lingering pain of a hard FXB session, I feel
it makes the new muscle fibers more elastic and healthier. On the other hand,
light walking after an intense workout improves circulation warming up your
body, and we already know that a little heat goes a long way to help the pain go
away!
Cool down. There's a reason elite athletes swear by the
post-workout ice bath — it works. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels,
which reduces swelling. And when you come out of the bath, your body warms up
quickly, improving circulation, which also helps with the healing process.
Because I am not a fan of shocking cold temps, I only use ice for the times when
I have a strained muscle or serious injury. Occasionally I am inspired to take a
cold shower post-workout, which is said to help the pain causing
inflammation.
Even with the best care, we sometimes need a little something
extra to ease away the pain. Don't be ashamed to take a pain reliver; it might
not help you heal any faster, but it can definitely take the edge off.
Treat your body well and you will be AMAZED at what you can
do, and the goals you can accomplish. We are all here to help you succeed and
Live at Level 10!
