Muscle Soreness

Okay so as a kick-ass trainer (ha ha) one of my most frequent requests is for remedies for muscle soreness.
Of course the easy answer is ibuprofen, but who really wants to take that after every workout (and never take this before a workout to avoid pain, by the way)?
First of all remember that nutrition is medicine. Eating adequate protein for your body and drinking enough water helps the body repair from the "damage" done from a good ol' workout.
Make sure you have a snack with both carbs and protein within 30 minutes of a good workout to ensure optimum recovery. Ironically a serving of chocolate milk provides the right ratio!

Also, a cold, just below tolerable, bath after a tough workout reduced inflammation and will reduce soreness later. A more pleasant option is a warm (not hot) bath with 2-3 cups of Epsom salts before bed dissolved within (just be sure to rinse off in a shower after or you may be itchy).

A Homeopathic remedy is Arnica Montana and is my personal favorite. It can be taken in tablet form, or applied topically if you are sore or bruised on a specific location. You can read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnica_montana. This is also great after dental work or surgery , but be sure to talk to your doctor first.

Sleep is also critical. So much of your recovery occurs during sleep. Without it you are neglecting your potential (I am writing this to myself! as well!).

Finally I read this blog the other day and am intrigued. Can't hurt might help! http://tumblr.com/x3a3f4173

If all else fails, remember that muscle soreness is just the repair process in your body where you become stronger and you build muscle mass. It is normal! But you should rarely be so sore that it hurts to do your daily activities, and actual PAIN during exercise (like stabbing, ripping, tearing sensations) is NEVER okay. Remember I am always here to help you with your workouts!

Be well!