1. Make sure you get at least 8-10 hours a night of sleep. Sleep is critical for overall recovery from a medium to difficult level workout. Every minute of sleep before midnight is worth two minutes of sleep after midnight. If you have trouble falling a sleep , especially if you plan your workouts in the evenings, you may want to try an all-natural supplement to help you sleep while continuing to burn fat!
2. Self-massage is an important part of every workout recovery routine. Using tools like tennis balls or foam rollers help relieve muscle tightness and inflammation that may develop from your workout. This type of self-myofascial release (SMR) may also provide additional benefits such as increased flexibility and range of motion, reduced fibromyalgia symptoms, and , in some cases, may help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
3. Hydrotherapy is another way to reduce post workout aches and pains. Turn the shower as cold as you can take it for 30 seconds, then back to hot to alleviate soreness. Water at varying temperatures provides a much-needed relief for your muscles. As your body reacts to hot and cold stimuli, your muscles will contract and relax, and you will feel more soothed by the warmer water . Hydrotherapy also helps to mobilize stiff joints for older adults with arthritic complications. Cryotherapy is another, more intense form of hydrotherapy, but is most impactful 24-72 hours after injury. Of course , there’s always the obligatory ice bath after a long race or really brutal workout.