If you've been working on your health and fitness goals this year, working out may be part of your plan. Part and parcel of working out is muscle pain.
When our muscles are worked, they can become sore and this is why it's important to have rest days if you're working out frequently. Looking after your muscles is important, especially if you're working on your fitness goals, as you don't want to strain or damage yourself, as this will not only be highly uncomfortable, but it'll jeopardise your fitness goals too. Remember those rest days!
If you're feeling sore after your workouts and are looking to treat your sore muscles naturally, here are 8 ways that can be effective.
Apply natural analgesic creams or ointments containing ingredients like arnica, menthol, eucalyptus, or capsaicin. These can provide relief by reducing pain and inflammation.
Apply topical creams and gels:
Topical pain relief gel and creams, such as menthol cream, can provide an almost instant relief to muscle soreness and are easy to use. Having a a menthol cream, such as Dr. Hoy's Pain Relief Gel, is an easy way to treat muscles aches and other pain such as joint aches, back pain, neck pain, etc. - all pains that can come from working out.
Keeping a menthol cream in your medicine cabinet for those post-workout aches and pains is a good call!
Heat Therapy:
Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area helps increase blood flow, relax muscles, and alleviate pain.
Microwavable heating bags and pads are a good, cost-effective option to have at hand at home for some post-workout muscle stress relief.
Cold Therapy:
Use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce inflammation and numb the area. Cold therapy is especially beneficial for acute muscle injuries - one to remember if you unfortunately happen to strain yourself when working out or lifting weights.
Essential Oils:
Certain essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, chamomile, and eucalyptus, may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix with a carrier oil and massage into the affected area for natural relief.
Massage:
Gentle massage can help relax tense muscles and improve blood circulation. You can use your hands, ask a loved one to help massage the affected area or seek professional massage therapy.
Stretching and Yoga:
Always remember to stretch pre-workout. If you're looking for some pre workout inspiration, try these 10 stretches to do before every workout. Incorporate gentle stretching or yoga exercises into your routine to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
Epsom Salt Bath:
Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts can help relax muscles and reduce soreness. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which is known to alleviate muscle cramps.
Hydration:
Ensure you are adequately hydrated, as dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps and soreness. Invest in a large water bottle to keep your water at hand at all times and sip throughout the day to ensure you're hitting those hydration levels.
Rest and Sleep:
What could be a more natural remedy than sleep? Give your muscles time to rest and recover while catching some z's. Adequate sleep is crucial for overall muscle health and repair and to give us the energy to continue working out and achieving our health and fitness goals.
It's important to remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you have persistent or severe muscle pain, as it could be a sign of an underlying issue that requires medical attention - and not something that can be treated with the above natural solutions.
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