General Question

tianalovesyou's avatar

How to recover faster from sore muscles?

Asked by tianalovesyou (711points) August 7th, 2012

I just joined varsity cross country for my high school. It is everyday for an hour in the mornings. So far, everyday I am coming home pretty sore. What can I do to help recover a little faster? I think it will get better later into the season, but is it okay to train everyday, with only one rest day?

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9 Answers

Sunny2's avatar

Heat on the sore muscles is good. A hot bath or shower followed by am OTC pain killer, dosage depending on your weight. With continued running, you should get muscles that won’t react as much as they do now, when you’re just starting. Good luck and patience with your training.

whiteliondreams's avatar

Potassium, sodium, and protein. You need to find a way to reduce the lactic acid in your muscles for quicker recovery. Good luck.

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

I always liked a hot bath. Electrolytes and protein are also a great idea.GA’s guys.

JLeslie's avatar

You need to stretch well immediately after the exercising to move the lactic acid out of the muscles you were working. Now it’s too late, you just have to wait.

You can take some ibuprofen, which has antinflammatory properties and relieves pain. If you weigh under 130 pounds I suggest 400mg, over 600mg, and always take with some food, even if it is just two crackers and plenty of water. But, if you stretch appropriately in the future you shouldn’t need any medication. The meds don’t help the muscle in terms of the lactic acid.

_Whitetigress's avatar

Well your muscles are ripping and releasing an acid and it’s going to heal up. As many recommended vitamin wise those are great. Plenty of stretching will speed up your pain tolerance as well. Massage as well. Good luck and have fun!

Ciaolucedelsole's avatar

I’ve heard a glass of orange juice and a protein bar after speeds up recovery time. Also, getting blood flowing through the affected area again. Like a light 5–10 minute brisk walk would take the edge off every few hours. Ibuprofin works wonders!

psyonicpanda's avatar

Potassium and protein help relax and rebuild the muscle. You have to make sure you always have a cool down stretch to ease your muscles or they will cramp. Icy hot or ice depending on the person usually help. Also be sure to stay hydrated with water or some sort of Gatorade, used maderately. I use a “menthal” spray and it help relax and cool my muscles and it alse smells minty which is great.

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fremen_warrior's avatar

People say beer helps – moderate amounts, obviously. Swimming in a pool can also help relax your muscles + jaccuzi afterwards and you’ll feel lots better. Hope this helps.

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