My Go-To Routine for Post-Workout Muscle Soreness
People ask me all the time what I do when I’m sore after a hard workout, so here’s what’s been working for me lately.
After a heavy lower body day this week, my right hip and ankle were so tight I had trouble sleeping. The next morning I spent a few minutes stretching, took my usual joint supplements, and applied Sombra Cooling Gel. By the time I hit the road for a six-hour drive, I was moving well and the soreness had settled down.
This is my go-to combination:
NaturesPlus AgeLoss Joint Support
This one has glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and Boswellia. Some of those ingredients are meant to support joint health over time, while Boswellia has some research behind it for helping with inflammation. The downside is it’s become really hard to find, but if you happen to come across a bottle, I think it’s worth picking up.
Hyland’s Arnica
I’ve used this for years after long massage days, hard workouts, and the occasional bump or bruise. Whether it’s the arnica itself, the extra recovery time, or a combination of both, it’s become a staple in my routine.
Sombra Cooling Gel
I absolutely love this stuff. One of my massage clients brought it in for me to try years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I use it on myself after tough workouts, and I also use it regularly in my massage practice because it works so well and my clients love it. It has a great cooling sensation without being overpowering, and I find it really helps take the edge off of sore, tight muscles.
Stretching, staying hydrated, eating enough protein, getting quality sleep, and giving your body time to recover are still the foundation. Supplements and topicals can be part of the toolbox, but they work best when the basics are already in place.
I’m not saying this routine will work for everyone, but it’s been working really well for me, so I thought I’d share what’s in my post-workout recovery kit.
I’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite recovery product after a tough workout?