Prevent Workout Muscle Soreness: Tips for Pain-Free Exercise

Exercise is an important piece of maintaining health, but it may bring with it muscle aches and pains. Whether you are a conditioned athlete or just beginning a workout regimen, anyone can experience stiff muscles after a workout. Here are some helpful tips to avoid the ache of exercise.

Instructions

• 1

  Warm up before exercising. Mimic the movements you are about to do in your workout routine like walking before jogging.

• 2

  Warm down after exercising, and don't just stop all movement after your workout. This is the best time to do some stretching, after your muscles are already warmed up.

• 3

  Don't push too hard when first starting your exercise routine. Gradually increase the time you spend on an exercise, and then increase the intensity.

• 4

  Stop exercising if you experience sharp pains or muscle cramps. Recognize the signs of fatigue or overexertion and listen to your body.

• 5

  Rest if you experience soreness. There is a good hurt that feels like a dull ache, but a bad hurt or injury is usually sharp and in a specific spot.

• 6

  Ice down any soreness for 15 to 20 minutes. This will ease any muscle ache as a result of exercise.

• 7

  Take Ibuprofen after a hard workout, and continue as needed. Read the label for the correct dosage and directions. Ibuprofen helps eliminate the inflammation that occurs after a tough workout.

• 8

  Exercise! If the pain is mild, work through it by doing some light exercise.