Hello Darlings!
For the past few months I have been working out with a
personal trainer, getting a bit of help acclimating to the Mile High City. About
three weeks ago I sprained my elbow (roller skating, because I am a cool kid
like that) and had to lay off the weights for a while. Now that I am back in
the gym doing more than just my cardio workouts I am feeling it. So I thought I would share some of the things I use to
combat my post-workout soreness.
1. Arnica Montana. I absolutely swear by arnica. Get an
unsightly bruise? Lather some on and it is gone in what seems like 24 hours,
sore muscles? Same deal. Arnica is a flower that has properties that help to
alleviate inflammation (one of the reasons your muscles are sore), bruising,
aches and pains. I take it internally using the tablets (which taste like
sugar-bonus!) and apply it externally to the affected area so I get it working
from the inside out and the outside in.
2. Traumeel. Traumeel is a tablet that you dissolve under
your tongue made up of 12 natural ingredients that all have healing qualities.
These pain relievers and anti-inflammatories include Belladonna, Calendula, and
Echinacea. (For the full list click here.) Essentially, Traumeel acts like a
holistic ibuprofen.
3. Glaringly obvious- but drink LOTS of water! Water helps
to flush out the lactic acid that is built up in your muscles after a workout.
Flushing out the acid and other toxins will help you feel better quickly.
Having a fun water bottle on hand helps you to remember to guzzle water!
4. Epsom Salt. Epsom salt has so many uses (one of which you
can see in my Weekend Warrior Detox) but adding it to a warm bath to relieve
muscle soreness through reducing inflammation is my favorite.
5. A Foam Roller. Essentially an at home sports massage, a
foam roller helps to unwind the knots and tightness caused by working out. The
GRID foam roller uses its interesting design to specifically target trigger
points, which can be painful, but is great for releasing tension. *Please note
that some people might get DOMS, delayed onset muscle soreness, which is
essentially a more intense soreness caused by muscle trauma (small tears in the
muscle), so while foam rolling can work to help relieve some of the soreness, tread lightly.
Make sure you are stretching well before and after your
workouts, and remember, light cardio brings blood to the surface of your
muscles aiding in muscle recovery. So, while all you might want to do is sit on
the couch and watch Swamp People, make sure you continue to keep your blood
flowing!
Do you have any tips to add to this list? Let me know in the
comments below!
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I am not a doctor nor
am I a personal trainer. The tips I have included above are what work for me;
make sure to consult your physician before utilizing them.
