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 6/11

Stretch the Right Way The tip: Before a workout, do dynamic, active stretching (like leg swings, walking lunges or downward dog) to warm up your muscles, says McGee. Post-workout, she says its better to do static stretches like forward bends, hip openers and long-held crescent lunges.

Why it works: "Taking 10-15 minutes to cool down and stretch after each and every workout would take care of about 80 plus percent of your soreness issues," says Weintraub. "Walk around, rehydrate, and do light stretching to keep things loose and lengthened." Your fascia will cool down over the next 15-20 minutes, and harden the body into whatever shape you put it in during the workout." For example: If you gave your biceps a good workout and didn't stretch, your body will cool down with them shortened, meaning you won't be able to fully relax your arms at your side (hello, T-Rex arms). "So, if you don't plan on auditioning for a robot dance group, keep them moving and lightly stretched open during the cool down period. Same goes for all of your muscles," he says.

Make sure you hit all of the major muscle groups, and keep stretching throughout the day. (For inspo, check out his Stretchworks DW program, which has 36 short videos to give you a "stretching at work" routine).

SEE NEXT PAGE: Load Up on Omega-3s

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