Tips for Avoiding Post-Workout Soreness

When you know that you are about to put a lot of strain on your body through strenuous exercise, you should find ways to avoid post-workout soreness. You can do things before you even begin the activity to help reduce the possibility of becoming stiff and fatigued after the workout. People with chronic pain and joint issues should take extra care to ensure their muscles are cared for before beginning any workout regimen.

Focus on Hydration

Keeping your body hydrated is crucial when it comes to minimizing post-workout soreness. Drinking enough water has been proven to yield many benefits. Among them is its ability to help the body cope during a workout. In addition to water, drinks like Gatorade that restore lost electrolytes help replenish the body and aid in avoiding muscle soreness.

Get the Right Equipment

Make sure that you have the right equipment for the activity. If you’re running, find a good pair of running shoes that will properly support you. A lack of support may leave you more sore than necessary. Likewise, wraps and braces help give joints support to athletes. These are also important, especially for those that suffer with chronic joint pain. A knee, wrist or ankle brace will give you the extra support your body needs in order to successfully complete a workout.

A Comprehensive Warm Up

In addition to staying hydrated and owning the proper equipment, you should make sure to always do a comprehensive workout before any strenuous activity. Warming up the muscles will help relieve the body of the impending shock during the workout. Start with a light jog to get the blood pumping, heart rate up, and muscles warm. Follow the short jog with several stretches in focal points throughout the body. Your warm-up should last several minutes, and you never need to rush or skip this part of your workout routine.

Strenuous activity is simply that: strenuous. Your body works incredibly hard during a workout, and some soreness may not be avoidable. This is especially true if you have previous injuries or chronic soreness in your joints. If these above tips do not work to ease the post-workout soreness, you may want to contact a doctor, physical therapist, or trainer for further information on how to balance your workout plan.

–Carolyn Scott-Hamilton is an award winning healthy, special diet and green living and travel expert, holistic nutritionist, plant based vegan chef, and best-selling cookbook author. Follow her online at healthyvoyager.com