A few days into getting back to the grind at the gym and engaging in some intense workouts, and it's easy to feel like a zombie who's been hit by a truck. For me personally, sore muscles feel almost like a badge of honor; you know the kind that lets me know that I've worked hard and probably deserve that summer body in the making. Having said that, though, it is also true that sore muscles can hit you harder than Monday blues - and that really is saying something. But like most things in life, this problem has a solution too. So here are a few things you can do when dealing with sore or stiff muscles.
1. Soak in some heat
Whether it's indulging in a nice hot water bath whilst sitting in a hot tub, making a trip to the steam/sauna room or just applying a hot pack, a little heat always does wonders for sore muscles. Applying heat to your muscles can reduce pain by increasing blood flow to the area, thus helping pain heal faster.
2. Keep yourself hydrated
Drinking enough hydrating fluids before, during and after your workout session is important to prevent cramping. Dehydration in general is one of the biggest causes for muscles cramping. So make sure you drink enough water. If you're doing a particularly tough routine that causes you to sweat more than usual, you could also try taking in some extra electrolytes and sodium by drinking a sports beverage in addition to water.
3. Do not compromise on your sleep
Studies suggest that sleep deprivation can have several negative effects on performance and recovery both. Sleep is essential for your muscles to recover so getting adequate sleep after a tough workout is even more important.
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