So you have some sore muscles, so what do you do about it??
Well, the first thing we have to figure out is why you have sore muscles.
- Body aches?
- Certain muscles are sore?
- Overtraining?
- Resting enough?
- Are you hydrated?
So your having body aches have there been any changes in your lifestyle? Are you hydrating enough? How have you been feeling? Most times body aches are from not being well, whether your ill or if your nutrition has drastically changed. Have you been drinking enough fluids or eating enough fruits and vegetables in your diet? Your diet while ill should include lots of fluids and good nutrition, your healing body depends on it.
Now let’s talk about only certain sore muscles. Are you working out more often? Have you changed your lifestyle, are you more adventuresome these days? If you are using muscles that you haven’t used in a while you will tend to feel it. Muscle cramps and soreness are normal. Sore muscles are a sign of growth the best thing you can do is rest! A small tip if those muscles are sore when you go back to the gym, skip them and move on to a different muscle group.
One of the most common and overrated issues is overtraining. I know, I know you love to train and don’t feel right when you miss a day. Here’s the problem you are doing more harm than good. Your body needs rest and if you don’t get enough rest your body can’t perform at its best.
If you are in the gym 6-7 days a week you are probably overtraining. Are you working out 4-5 hours a day 3-4 times a week then you are probably overtraining. Only the elite can get away with this and yes at times even they burn out. Muscle soreness, injuries can happen to those that overtrain which is going to delay your progress and who has time for that?
Here is a small tip if you have to work out every day, change your intensity! Reduce your workouts to 4-5 times a week. I can almost guarantee you’re going to see results which is why we workout isn’t it? The best thing you can do is take a day off, rest trust me your body will thank you for it.
Rest is one of the most important things for the body. When you rest your muscles recover and grow. Muscles soreness isn’t a bad thing usually, this is typically your body healing so it can protect itself from future injuries. If you don’t rest enough, usually at least 7-8 hours a day your body can not fully recover. So do yourself and your body a favor make sure that you are resting appropriately.
If you haven’t noticed already, hydration is so important. This is what keeps the body balanced. Your body is made up of almost 60% water if it is not hydrated then it’s not going to work at its optimum level. So drink at least 6-8 cups of water a day and if you’re curious read my hydration blog for more tips.
We have learned sore muscle come from all kinds of things. Sore muscles aren’t necessarily a bad thing either! Muscle soreness is your body saying it’s time to give them a break. Remember one of the top ways to reduce muscle soreness is to make sure you’re hydrated and rest!
For more tips on hydration and more check out my other blogs and if you have questions leave them in the comments below!!