How to Prevent or Relieve Sore Muscles from Exercise

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By practicalmagic
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Prevent or Relieve Sore Muscles from Exercise

We all know the benefits of regular exercise, but there can be aches and pains that come along with it as well. Learn how to bounce back quicker and get the full benefits of your hard work by using these few simple steps to prevent and alleviate sore muscles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

The first step to preventing sore muscles begins before you even hit the gym. What goes into your body makes a huge impact on what you get out of it. By making sure you get the necessary vitamins and minerals, you can prevent complications due to supplement deficiencies.
Step 2

It is also extremely important to keep your body hydrated throughout the day, but most especially an hour before and an hour after any workout.
Step 3

Stretching is an important but often overlooked part of exercise. Stretching can easily prevent pulled muscles, and can increase your range of motion. Stretching should be done before and after rigorous exercise. Before stretches should be done following a light warm-up, when the muscles are warm.
Step 4

Always cool-down after an intense work out. For example, if you have been running, instead of stopping and sitting down, continue to walk until your breathing returns to normal.
Step 5

Saunas are a great way to prevent sore muscles. When used after a work out, a sauna session can help prevent acid build up in the muscles. If you do not have access to a sauna, a warm bath can substitute nicely.

Comments

tracysmith159 said

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on 11/27/2009 Very important. The pain I get from the exercise and my RA are the reason why I don't exercise as much as I should. Drinking more water when I hike really help to allow me to do more with less pain.