# SOS post workout aches and pains ..

As soon as we change our physical activity, whether it is to start working out for the first time, or simply changing an area of the body to work on, the day after, or even hours afterwards, the aches kick in to effect .. and sometimes it is extremely uncomfortable !!

What are exactly aches ?

Aches are tiny lesions of the muscular tissue, which are often caused by taking up a new sport, or a more intense workout than usual. Muscles then become hard, painful, and tired. These tiny lesions are completely normal and nothing to worry about whatsoever.

Most of the time they simply show us that we have surpassed ourselves in regards to our efforts and that we have worked extremely well, which is a good thing 🙂 These aches are not precise or specifically located, but are easy to identify and generally, the pain is not unbearable as opposed to a muscular tear or a strain..

To ease our aches and pains, here are some little tips, that I find useful :

Before work out :

Homeopathy !

If we resume a sport, or if we begin a new activity, always take a homeopathic dose of Arnica 9ch (10 granules of a normal tube, or a whole mini dose) a few hours before the session.

Warm it up !

Yes, warming up is very important to prevent injuring yourself and for preparing the muscles and joints for a small or intense effort. So we begin the sports activity gradually before intensifying the effort, and increasing cardio for example..

Hydrate !

Think of drinking lots of water to hydrate before, during and after the session.. Watch out, during the session, drink 2 or 3 mouthfuls only, at one time , otherwise it is unpleasant, especially during an intensive workout…

After working out :

Stretching !

Just like warming up, stretching is very beneficial to soften muscles, relax the body and avoid, or limit the aches … Then, inhale, stretch, inhale, stretch, and breeeeeaath…

Run a bubble bath !

A nice hot bath relieves the tensions, and relaxes the body and the muscles.. Add 1 or 2 doses of ” Arnica muscle soak ” by Weleda, to the bathwater.This natural mixture of plants: Arnica, Rosemary and Lavender, is ideal to relax both the body and the mind. After a few minutes in the bath, the sensations of pain and fatigue gradually fade away, I love that feeling 🙂

Massage !

When I have really painful aches (after the first day of skiing, or after a session of boxing for example) I massage my muscles intensely with Arnica massage oil (always by Weleda) to relax them and soften them to the max!This massage oil is 100% natural and is specially designed for sports recovery .. Very effective against aches, when massaged long and sufficiently, it really helps the body to recover. The heating reaction helps eliminate fatigue and muscular pain.You can also apply it before your workout but personally, I prefer to do so after sport, after my bath, when my muscles are completely relaxed.

Move !

Aches disappear more quickly if we start using our muscles again and moving around. Walking, swimming, yoga, cycling or a long session of stretching will help to relieve aches and pains.

Heal !

When working out or doing physical activity of any kind, we lose a lot of mineral salts, which can generate cramps for some people. If you are prone to cramps, take some magnesium and some potassium in food supplements.

More homeopathy !

And finally, back to taking a dose of arnica 9ch after the session, and one the next day if the muscles continue to ache.

Get back on the horse 🙂 Off you go !

xoxo