Ease Sore Muscles after a Physically Active Weekend

How do you feel on Sunday night after working all weekend in your yard, or doing a marathon of home repair or house cleaning? Like you’d rather not move for hours, right?

In order to prevent muscle stiffness and soreness, Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett recommends you try the suggestions below before relaxing for the night. 

Move More – Now!
Even though you might want to flop onto the coach, cold drink in hand, first move a little more. Slowly and gently is fine. Get the blood flowing into those sore muscles by simply walking around the house or around your neighborhood, or raising your arms over your head while breathing deeply.

Stretch
Before relaxing in your recliner, stretch your muscles before they stiffen, helping them to become more pliable and flexible. As oxygen flows into your muscles, you’ll speed their recovery. Whether your choose yoga, Pilates or stretches of your own choosing, here’s a bonus: Dr. Andrew Weil says muscles contain stretch receptors which can improve your mood.

Drink Water
Water is the ultimate rehydrator. Avoid caffeine and alcohol because they can dehydrate you.

Feel Kneaded
Gently massage overworked muscles, prompting nutrient-rich blood to flow through, replenishing them. Better yet, get a massage from someone you like.

Pack in Protein
Your muscles are hungry after exertion. They crave protein. Choose natural sources such as fish, poultry, lean meats, nuts, lentils and quinoa.

Soak in a Tub
A warm bath cures many ills, and always helps ease stiff muscles. You’ll also sleep better after a bath, helping you awake refreshed. If you’re brave, try a hot/cold treatment, alternating water temperatures every couple minutes, to open blood vessels more.

Ease Back In
When your muscles are feeling rested, ease back into your normal fitness program gradually so your body has time to catch up with all the plans you have in store.

Remember, the most effective way to relieve muscle soreness after an active weekend is to move a bit more, drink lots of water and nourish your muscles back to health.

Judi Sheppard Missett, who turned her love of jazz dance into a worldwide dance exercise phenomenon, founded the Jazzercise dance fitness program in 1969. She has advanced the business opportunities of women and men in the fitness industry by growing the program into an international franchise business that today, hosts a network of 7,800 instructors teaching more than 32,000 classes weekly in 32 countries.

The workout program, which offers a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, cardio box and Latin style movements, has positively affected millions of people worldwide. Benefits include increased cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility, as well as an overall "feel good" factor.  Additional Jazzercise programs include Junior Jazzercise, Jazzercise Lite and Personal Touch.  For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com