Learn How You Can Relieve Overworked, Sore or Tense Muscles
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If you regularly exercise, then you are most likely no stranger to muscle soreness that often results from new or challenging workouts. Muscle tension is also a common physical symptom of stress. While a little muscle tension will not affect your day-to-day activities, it’s important to manage your pain so that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid further injuries.
Cooper Fitness Center Professional Fitness Trainer, Paul Mossa, specializes in Muscle Activation Techniques to strengthen muscles. Whether you are experiencing soreness from a new routine or you are new to the workout scene, Mossa offers some suggestions to help ease your sore and tired muscles.
Foam Rolling
Foam rolling is highly beneficial activity for tense muscles. When muscles are tight, knots and adhesions can develop, lessening blood flow throughout your body and causing inflammation. Incorporating foam rolling into your daily routine can increase your mobility and range of motion, reduce irritation and lengthen muscles.
Stretching
Increase your range of motion and mobility by stretching. If possible, stretch before and after your workout to both repair and rejuvenate your muscles. This simple activity can decrease stiffness, while also promoting flexibility, balance and muscle lengthening.
Massage
Massage therapy is a great way to rehabilitate your muscles. A foam roller is a technique that you can manage yourself, but massage therapy relieves soreness in areas of your body that you cannot hit on your own. Benefits of massages include muscle tension relief, relaxation and boosting your body’s immunity.
Fuel Your Body
Balance your diet with lean proteins, wholesome fiber-rich carbohydrates and green, leafy vegetables to provide energy to your muscles, along with the added benefits of repairing and replacing tissue in your body. Staying hydrated and taking a daily vitamin C supplement can also minimize post-workout soreness.
Get Back on Track
It’s a common misconception that if your muscles are sore, you should avoid exercise to give your muscles time to recuperate. This is not always the best decision for your body. You should continue to incorporate moderate amounts of exercise into your routine to speed up recovery. This will send blood flow to your muscles leading to muscle relief. Likewise, it’s important to avoid any type of exercises that could damage your muscles into a further state of soreness.
Work with an Expert
If you continue to experience muscle pain after testing these techniques, a Fitness Specialist is always an effective option to assess and manage your pain. Trained professionals can evaluate your range of motion and provide corrective exercises to strengthen muscles and relieve soreness.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to listen to your body. When you are experiencing muscle soreness, know your limits and how much your body can handle. Effectively listening to your body’s needs will help with the healing process and minimize pain that is commonly associated with working out.
For more information about Cooper Fitness Center or to schedule a session with a Professional Fitness Trainer, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com or call 972.233.4832.
To schedule a massage appointment at Cooper Spa, call 972.392.7729.
Article provided by Cooper Aerobics Marketing and Communications.