10 Weird Things You Can Use for Muscle Relief

Swimsuit season is just around the corner. You’re going to want to get fit, and soon.

You may be cramming in a few gym sessions in the next few weeks, and that means you’ll definitely be sore.

Although exercising is definitely worth it, your body will not be happy at first. Don’t let muscle soreness slow you down in your health and fitness goals.

While you’re trying to recover, grab a protein shake and keep reading for 10 weird things you can use for muscle relief.

Muscle Pain

First, let’s start with a bit of science that can help you prevent muscle aches in the first place.

Although you may be determined to go all out during your first exercise class or gym session, make sure to start slow. If you push your body too far, you could take a week to recover, further delaying your exercise schedule.

Be sure to stay hydrated, keep your potassium levels up, and stretch regularly to keep your muscles loose and prevent lactic acid buildup.

10 Weird Things Useful for Muscle Relief

But I guess you wouldn’t be here if you started slow and took it easy. So don’t fret, because we’ve still got you covered.

Read below for 10 things you can use to find muscle relief.

1. A Foam Roller

A foam roller is something nearly every athlete owns, and for good reason.

They’re inexpensive (you can find a good foam roller for under $25), easy to use, and extremely effective.

Foam rollers work through self-myofascial release, which uses pressure and massage to help prevent scarring of the fascia, the connective tissue between your muscles.

You can also zero in on problematic areas, relieving muscles aches in those spots. It’ll definitely be less expensive than a massage.

2. Caffeine

If you needed another excuse to grab a cup of coffee, we’ve got one. In one study conducted by the University of Georgia, researchers found that a moderate amount of coffee (2 cups) could reduce post-workout pain by up to 48%.

Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a chemical your body naturally releases in response to an injury.

Another bonus: it can give you a boost of energy before a workout or after a tiring workout. Just be careful not to drink too much caffeine, as that can cause muscle spasms.

3. Drink Tumeric

Tumeric has been found to contain the antioxidant curcumin, which has been linked to reducing muscle pain and inflammation following a workout.

If you couple the golden spice with ginger, which also promotes a speedy recovery post-workout, you’ll make a superfood essential to muscle recovery. You can mix these ingredients into a latte, a salad, or smoothie.

4. Choose Garlic

Studies have shown that crushing garlic cloves and consuming them has been found to reduce muscle fatigue. By crushing the cell walls of the garlic, you generate a compound called allicin which also helps reduce inflammation.

Garlic is also extremely easy to incorporate into meal options, and is inexpensive. Just be sure to avoid close contact, or at least use mouthwash regularly!

5. Epsom Salts and Rubs

The primary component of epsom salt is magnesium, which is an element essential for healthy muscles. Magnesium is also a natural muscle relaxant, which works whether you take a supplement or use it via epsom salts.

When soaking with epsom salt in a hot bath, magnesium is effectively absorbed by the body and begins to soothe sore muscles and provide muscle relief.

You can also purchase topical relief in the form of epsom salt rubs, which work on a particularly sore area. Body rubs work great on centralized relief.

6. Tart Cherry Juice

Tart Montmorency cherries have recently been hailed as a superfood due to their high antioxidant content. They have been linked to relieving gout sufferers, as well as speeding up recovery following a workout.

A study on professional athletes found that those who drank 1 ounce of tart cherry juice diluted in water two times a day reported significantly less soreness than athletes in the control group.

You can receive the same benefits whether enjoying the raw fruit or in juice form. Tart cherries and juice are also really easy to add to smoothies and shakes!

7. Go on a Walk

It’s easy to lounge around for a few days following an intensive recovery. In fact, your body is probably screaming at you to not move.

However, some of the soreness you’re feeling is related to waste products building up in your body, and that needs to go somewhere for you to start to feel better. Moving, even for 20 to 30 minutes, helps promote circulation and flush lactic acid and other wastes from your system, speeding up recovery.

8. Incorporate Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been found to have analgesic effects, helping relax stiff and sore muscles, and providing muscle relief.

Incorporating cinnamon into your diet could also help jump-start your metabolism, further helping you reach your weight-loss goals.

9. Catch up on Sleep

Your body rebuilds and recovers while you sleep.

After a strenuous workout, you need a good night’s rest to rebuild your muscles, and quickly. So go ahead and hit the snooze button.

10. Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid supplement that helps lessen muscle pain and its duration following intense strength-training sessions. The amino acid’s job is to move energy into your cells, especially muscle cells.

When you’ve torn your muscles and need to rebuild following an intense workout, creatine helps push that energy into your cells and repair your now-toned muscles.

Final Thoughts

Although we know we’re supposed to take it easy when starting a new fitness regimen, we’re also way too excited to heed the warning. You’re going to be sore, but the world doesn’t stop just because you’re recovering.

The ten weird things listed above are scientifically proven to help you recover following an intense workout, providing much-needed muscle relief. So hit the gym, but be sure to properly recover later.

For more tips and articles on health, visit our blog today.

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