How to Relieve Sore Muscles after a Workout

Expect soreness when you start a new exercise routine. Muscle soreness is caused by overextending muscle tissue during a workout in the gym or through sports activities. If you experience soreness "Don’t stop exercising," says Web MD. Your muscles need to become used to the activity level. If the pain is such that it prevents you from doing normal activities then the activity level may be too great and you may need to lessen the workout.

Take up physical activity gradually and don’t push yourself too hard right out of the starting gate. Too much pain will discourage you from going back to do more exercise. Make sure to cool down gently and stretch after exercising. Maintaining flexibility is critical and spending ten minutes or more stretching after a workout is recommended.

WebMD recommends a few things to help ease mild pain associated with exercise. “ … several remedies, such as ice, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, massage, heat, and stretch have been reported as helpful in the process of recovery."

If your muscles are tight then use a heating pad to help with flexibility. If they are swollen, use ice to reduce the swelling and ease pain.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs to help relax sore tight muscles. Extra Large Back Warmers Back Warmers and Extra Long Neck Heating Pads can be microwaved for heat or frozen and used as gentle ice packs to reduce swelling without the harshness of ice cubes. These products are also available in a variety of animal shapes, such as an alligator neck warmer and a whale back warmer. Check out all of their Comforting Creatures and traditional heating pads to help deal with muscle stiffness and cramps.