Tuckervill

Some post workout strategies to reduce your muscle soreness:

drink tons of water

take calcium/magnesium/zinc (up to 1000mg) the night after the workout

after the workout stretch stretch stretch. stretch the muscles you worked the hardest, and make the stretches very gentle, but hold them from 30 seconds up to several minutes. the bigger and the more you've worked the muscle, the longer you should go

eat an excellent recovery food - potato with veggies, and some protein worked best for me. I found I need quick carbs, but needed some protein at the same time.



From my experience, a very strenuous workout (back to back glute focussed kickboxing classes is my experience that comes to mind), will really really hurt the muscle groups on day 2 after the workout. My best muscle recovery was doing a very long, not intense road ride the day after the heavy work. Lots of spin and keep the muscles moving. I think it may be because the exercise promotes so much blood flow, while not straining the muscles further.

I bet the other girls have some great ideas for recovery, too!

Now, if you need 2 recovery days anyway, even with good recovery strategies, you should take them. Your body needs to be your guide, and you need to respect its need for rest and recovery as much as its need for exercise and food!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~