Regardless of the sport you prefer to play, be it soccer, football, hockey, basketball, or anything else – your games and matches can take a toll on your body. Professional athletes may be more suited to the intense physical activity required for a game, but this doesn’t mean that everything is easy. They are bound to have sore muscles, cramps, and more. Here are a few ways that professional athletes use to relax their muscles after a game, or any intense workout.
Stretches And Cold Showers
While the muscles are still hot, experts recommend that you should stretch adequately. Of course, you should also make sure to warm up your muscles before the game. You may be tempted to take a warm shower after the game, but even if you stretch, your muscles are still too warm. So, take a cold shower to cool off your muscles.
Bubbly Massages And Relaxation
Once you’ve cooled down, you could really benefit from getting a massage. Even better, relax in a hot tub. You may even consider purchasing one if you’ll need it often. Nowadays, even the best portable hot tub won’t break the bank, and they function just as well as traditional hot tubs – with added convenience. The hot water and gentle massage from bubbles will help relieve the tension in your muscles faster.
What To Eat For Your Sore Muscles
While massages, stretches, and showers are a great external source of relaxation for your muscles, you’ll also want to speed up recovery by eating the right foods. Some foods will exacerbate the inflammation causing soreness in your muscles, while others will help you recover faster. Nuts and salmon are both high in omega-3 fatty acids that have been proven to fight inflammation. Also, you should make sure that you are sufficiently hydrated. Your body is mainly composed of water and it plays a crucial role in almost all processes that your body needs to heal. You should drink water before your game, and during any breaks. Remember that if you’re feeling thirsty, then you’re already on your way to being dehydrated.
You may also want to add turmeric to your diet – either through your food, or as a supplement. It is a naturally anti-inflammatory that will speed up the recovery process.
How To Deal With Cramps
In case you find that your muscles have cramped up, there are several over-the-counter medications that can ease your cramped muscles. Having them on hand during games is recommended. Also, massaging with ice packs helps slightly.
Summary
Any major game or tournament takes a toll on your body, even if you are a professional athlete with a high fitness level. Taking care of your body before and after the game will help you recover faster, and increase your stamina. Although our recommendations will help you recover from sore muscles faster, there is nothing that will work like a magic pill to avoid it. Serious athletes routinely take precautions and remedies to reduce their pain and discomfort level, and so should you.
