Recover from muscle soreness without turning to anti-inflammatory drugs.

Anyone who’s active will at some point experience sore muscles.

This brings up a very important point: Always listen to your body!

How to Relieve Sore Muscles: woman with foam roller for relaxing her back.

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While you’re recovering, it doesn’t necessarily mean you could’t keep working out.

But you might want to take it easier.

Consider doing an active recovery withlower-intensity exerciselike a good walk versus a difficult HIIT class.

I like to use lower-impact activities like light cardio (swimming, walking, biking) andyoga."

For total body movements, she recommends walking, swimming, or yoga.

McDowell recommends doing 5-10 minutes of easy cardio to warm up before diving into the stretches.

Massage

Massage is another commonly prescribed methodfor reducing muscle soreness.

Massage guns are one way to target specific areas with adjustable intensity.

Heat and Ice

Heat and ice have both been shown to have benefits for sore muscles.

“Rollers can also facilitate blood flow and are a relatively cheap and efficient option,” says Gonzalez.

Hydration

Hydrationis important for many reasons, including helping with muscle soreness, McDowell says.

“Think of a desert versus an ocean.

Which surface glides better?”

In terms ofdaily water consumption, aim for drinking your body weight in ounces, McDowell advises.

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