Sore Muscle Solutions

Whenever I start a new workout program, no matter how consistently I've been committed to my fitness, I always end up walking like a) a penguin or b) a baby deer. Sitting down to pee hurts. Getting out of bed hurts. Let's be honest, existing hurts. Having solutions for sore muscles? It's pretty much a necessity to survive #momlife. 
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Ok, before we go into my favourite ways to ease those aches, I want to make it really clear that I'm not talking about injuries or being hurt. If you've pulled or tweaked something in your body? Take it easy. This is all about taking care of sore muscles and DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). No matter why you're sore (working out at the gym, getting in a run, a living room workout, or doing some housework), these strategies are sure to sooth. 

Deep Blue Bath

Epsom salts (also known as magnesium sulfate) is a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. (That's about as science-y as I get, for the record). People have been taking epsom salt baths for ages to ease aches and pains. But when you add in some deep blue? I'm talking serious relief.

About Deep Blue
doTERRA's Deep Blue is a combination of Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Helichrysum, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Osmanthus, which work together to soothe and cool sore muscles and achey joints.

Deep Blue Recommended Uses

• ​Apply on feet and knees before and after exercise.
• Massage Deep Blue with a few drops of carrier oil onto growing kids' legs before bedtime.
• Rub Deep Blue on your lower back after a day of heavy lifting.
• After long hours on the computer, try rubbing Deep Blue essential oil blend on your fingers, wrists, shoulders, and neck.  ​

Deep Blue Bath - Natural Muscle Ache Remedy

• 2 cups Epsom Salts
• 5 drops doTERRA Deep Blue

Fill your bath with warm (or, if you're like most women... scalding hot) water and add epsom salts and doTERRA's Deep Blue. Take a relaxing soak for at least 20 minutes. doTerra also has a Deep Blue Rub and roller bottles available. 

(Not an affiliate link, just a huge fan)

Recover Shake

Look, I'm not an elite athlete; I'm just a mom who works out in her basement. But that doesn't mean I don't want to drink a delicious Frosty-tasting shake that is going to help me be less sore. When I look for products to incorporate into my diet, here's what I look for:

• ​No artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, or preservatives (I don't want these things in my diet on the regular)
• Tastes good (I don't to have to force myself to drink something just because it's good for me)
• Functional ingredients that are backed by science 

The Recover shake that I drink from the Beachbody Performance Line checks all those boxes. It's like a chocolate Frosty, but made to help build and repair muscle tissues so you can recover from your workout faster.

Foam Rolling

Do you ever wish you could give yourself a massage like you get from someone else? I'm pretty sure that's why foam rolling was invented. Scientifically known as self-myofascial release, it's a great technique to release muscle tightness or trigger points. Basically, by applying pressure to specific points on your body, you are able to help ease the pain, aid in recovery, and get back your normal self faster.

I'm not going to pretend I'm a foam-rolling expert. I use Beachbody on Demand, which is kind of like Netflix but for workouts. It's only $99 for a year's subscription and they have foam rolling routines (as well as 600+ other workouts you can do) and I use one of those stretch or foam rolling routines every Sunday! 

Apple Cider Vinegar

I'm getting to a place in my life where I believe that apple cider vinegar can basically cure anything. I mean, I know it doesn't smell the greatest. But if I drink my recover shake, foam roll, take a Deep Blue bath, and am still looking for a little relief? ACV to the rescue.

All you do is saturate a cloth with apple cider vinegar and wrap it around the sore muscle for 20 minutes. You can reapply every 3-4 hours for continued relief.

(The science behind it? Well, ACV helps to draw lactic acid out of your muscles after exercise... apparently!)

How do you deal with muscle soreness?