Sore After Workouts? Here’s How To Speed Up Workout Recovery

You can heal faster and feel less sore after exercise.

Staying physically active is important at any age. But if you haven’t worked out much and aim to get back into shape, you can count on sore, tired muscles that can last for days. Even when you’re regularly active, a hard workout can lead to achy joints and muscle stiffness.

Fortunately, there are ways to speed up workout recovery so you feel better faster. By expediting healing and minimizing soreness, you’re more likely to stay active for the long run.

5 Tips To Heal Faster After a Workout

1. Get Enough Shuteye

You probably already know that your body needs sleep to recover from the mental and physical stresses of the day. But when you spend time exercising, your body requires even more sleep than it does normally. (1) The good news? Active people tend to sleep more easily than their sedentary counterparts. (2) It seems that working out actually helps you sleep, which in turn promotes physical recovery.

2. Be Sure To Get Your Protein

Your muscles are largely made up of protein. When you stress your muscles during a workout, the muscle fibers tear. Afterwards, you require protein to repair the muscles and become stronger. After you finish your workout, it’s a good idea to have a hearty meal rich in protein. Or, if you’re in a rush, make a protein shake with fruits and veggies for added health benefits.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Did you know that dehydration can hinder recovery? (3) When you workout, you need water to promote proper blood pressure and nutrient delivery via your bloodstream. Try to drink water before, during, and after your workout if you want to feel better faster.

4. Wear Compression Clothing

Compression socks and leggings can help reduce swelling in your ankles and legs, a common problem for adults over 50 who spend time walking, running, or doing other exercises. The pressure encourages blood to pump back to the heart, which may speed how quickly you heal—although research into the benefits of compression therapy for muscle recovery is still fairly new. (4) The best time to wear compression clothing is when you’re recovering, not when you’re working out.

5. Take Curcumin to Reduce Exercise-Induced Inflammation

Curcumin—the active compound in turmeric—can lessen the inflammation and oxidative stress that happens during exercise. By doing so, curcumin supplements decrease muscle soreness and speed muscle recovery. (5)

Another perk? Curcumin supplements may help relieve joint pain, making curcumin an excellent post-workout supplement for folks with arthritis.

Try our Better Curcumin after your next workout.* We use Theracurmin curcumin, a form of curcumin that the body can easily absorb, allowing you to enjoy maximum benefits.* Learn more about what makes Theracurmin curcumin different.

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