Exercise = Good!
Sore Muscles = Bad!

Exercise is wonderful - an essential to a healthy lifestyle, but it can be easy to over-do it and end up with sore muscles. If you can bear the pain, just try to use the muscles slightly less, and each day you should notice an increased range of non-painful motion.

Stretching may help depending on the extent of the strain.
If the soreness turns into pain as you stretch, stop and just
give that muscle some time to heal. Anti inflammatory
medication such as ibuprophen can lessen the immediate
pain, but may also lessen your muscle gain.

Recently my daughter returned to horse riding after a bit of a break and found that she had let go some unique muscles that you only ever use in horse riding, so these and others were really painful - especially after her first lesson, when she could barely stand, never mind walk!!

A long, soothing bath has often been cited as the cure-all, and I must admit that it does aid in relaxing those muscles that feel clenched and stiff, and make movement difficult!

Feel free to use painkillers that you know you are compatible with, muscle rubs or massage oils also, but remember, if you don't exercise for too long again, it will all repeat itself!

Try this bath oil when you're tired and sore and you'll see the difference.

Things You’ll Need:

· 1 cup honey
· 2 cups plain milk (use any but whole milk will seem richer)
· 1 cup salt (you can use sea salt)
· 1/4 cup baking soda (the cheapest brand is fine)
· 1/2 cup Baby oil (go cheap here, too)
· 1 tablespoon oil of peppermint

Mix all ingredients except the peppermint oil in a large bowl. Stir until well blended.

Turn on the tub and begin to fill it. Make sure the water is as hot as is comfortable. Pour the mixture into the tub under the running water. Get fancy with a glass of wine, some candles and some great music if you like.

When the bath is almost done pour in the peppermint oil. Now get in and soak. Relax. Stay in the tub until the water gets too cool to be comfortable.

Notice how good your muscles feel when you get out. You can expect to sleep really well afterwards, too.

Use whenever exercise has made you tired and sore!

To return to the ideas and uses page, click here.