Muscles aching after working out

[kitaristi0]

I know it's normal for your muscles to be sore after working out but it's still a pain. I read that drinking a protein shake right after working out could help alleviate muscle aches. Does anyone know whether this works, or does anyone know any other way to get rid of muscle aches and soreness after working out?

[dp13368]

It essentialy 'works' as protein(especially fast-acting) whey helps repair muscle breakdown/'tears' caused by lifting. Also, the BCAAs(Branched Chain Amino Acids) in whey (i.e. glutamine) help with recovery.

[KUJustin]

Having recently completed my first marathon I'm going to go ice bath FTW.

[Rearden]

If you consume enough protein, get enough rest, drink plenty of water... etc. that would help the soreness

Other ideas could include a heating pad if your lower back is sore from deadlifting for example, ice, getting your womans to give you teh massage, etc.

I read something a while back about shifting hot and cold showers... as in taking a shower and alternating water temp every few minutes if youre showering right after working out. I have never tried this. It could be bad. But heck... take a shower and switch from hot water to cold(er) water every few minutes back and forth like and see if it does anything for you.

As always make sure youre talking muscle soreness (DOMS; delayed onset muscle soreness) from lifting not straight out muscle pain from a pull or some other lifting related injury. And enjoy the pain; it lets you know you did something badass.

[xCptMorganx]

If you just started working out you will be sore and there's not much you can do about it. A protein shake (and a small healthy meal) right after working out definitely helps. When you work out your body is craving protien for 45 min to an hour afterwards and by not feeding it you are giving up some of the benefits of working out. It would also help to have another shake at some other time in the day maybe 4 - 8 hours after the first one.

EDIT: I saw in Rearden's post he mentioned drinking plenty of water, this is VERY important.

[roxxorzjoo]

Low-fat chocolate milk. I saw it last week on CNNs bottom-line.

[DrewDevil]

If you work out in the mornings, an evening walk can really help.

[YeaYeaFaSho]

I have never gotten sore immediately after working out. Its usually 24 hours after I worked out

[funkymunky]

[ QUOTE ]
If you work out in the mornings, an evening walk can really help.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have also seen advocated a very light workout the next day, to combat the muscle soreness. Its probably the next-to-last thing you might want to do (the last thing being another hardcore workout), but it does seem to help.

[kyleb]

Protein shakes will help to some degree, but make sure you are doing cardio after your lifting session to help alleviate the pain. Taking magnesium supplements before bedtime will help as well.