Relax the Muscles After a Workout

Relaxation – How many times have you been out of breath during a strenuous workout? Relaxation techniques are really valuable in relieving pain and getting ready for the next session. It’s always important to stretch your muscles right after working out, but some people are not aware of the many different ways to relax. Here are the most common and effective ways.

Breathing – Taking deep breaths when you are starting to feel tight is a great way to relieve yourself of tension. This helps open up the lungs and lets oxygen flow easily in and out of the lungs. Another way to breathe deeply is to tilt forward on your back with your knees up. Your lower back will arch as you tighten your pelvic muscles. This exercise works the upper respiratory muscles, which are important to exercise since these help to support your spine. It’s also important to breathe in through your nose, rather than your mouth, to maximize the effectiveness of this exercise.

Relax your body post workout

Posture – Making sure that you have your body’s alignment correct when exercising is one of the best ways to relax and loosen up sore muscles. If you are improperly positioned, it’s harder to work the muscles because the spine can be jarred and strained. Getting into the right posture is very important because improper positioning can cause pain, discomfort and injury to the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

9 Ways to Relax the Muscles After a Workout

Limiting the use of medications – You should avoid using over the counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen for inflammation of the joints. These medications actually increase inflammation by neutralizing the joint receptors, which leads to more pain and stiffness. If these types of drugs are prescribed by your doctor, be sure to follow their directions carefully. Other prescription pain medications are not to be taken unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.

Getting the right amount of sleep – Your muscles need rest just like the other parts of your body, so don’t overwork them when you’re getting a good night’s rest before your next exercise routine. It’s also a good idea to cut back on the caffeine intakes while you’re on an exercise routine. Also, when you sleep, your body releases natural chemicals into your bloodstream, which may contribute to inflammation if you are taking anti-inflammatory medication. If you’re following a exercise routine and you feel pain or stiffness, stop your exercise immediately and see a licensed professional. Do some research on the internet and talk with your doctor to find out the best way to handle your pain or swelling.

Stretching – There are many different stretching exercises that can be performed after a workout. This will help your body to get the most benefits from your workout routine. One of the most common exercises is stretching, but you shouldn’t do it too fast or you’ll risk hurting yourself. Slow stretching can increase circulation and decrease inflammation, so it is a great way to relax the muscles after a workout.