Fitness

9 Ways to Soothe Muscle Soreness -- Fast

Feeling the burn post-workout? These tips will help you get rid of sore muscles so you can get back to the gym

by Allie Flinn | COMMENT

PHOTO 1/11

What Causes Muscle Soreness? First, a quick primer on why your body feels like it's failing you. When you work out, your body uses either aerobic metabolism or anaerobic metabolism to create energy, says David Weintraub, medical and sports massage therapist and owner of BodyWorks DW in New York. The former he calls a "clean" burn because it doesn't leave major wastes behind. When you're working out within your comfort zone this is your body's preferred energy-producing method.

But when you push hard, your body switches to anaerobic metabolism, where your body burns glucose energy without using oxygen, explains Weintraub. Because it produces more energy, it gives you that push to get through the end of your workout. However, it also leaves behind byproducts like lactic acid (the evil culprit behind your sore muscles).

Still, that doesn't mean you shouldn't push yourself. "Some soreness is good. It means you're working your muscles to fatigue, and then they can rebuild and grow stronger," explains Kristin McGee, a New York City-based celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor.

But just because your muscles are rebuilding themselves doesn't mean you have to suck it up and deal with the pain.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Ditch the Advil

EDITORS' BEST OF

12 Best Acne Products for Your Clearest Skin Yet

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Easy, On-the-Go Coverage

products mentioned

Dr. Teals Epsom Salt Soaking Solution

0.0