As you all know, I have a bachelors degree in knowing-stuff and take it upon myself to give free lessons to you students of life because I’m generous with my time and knowledge and generally just an awesome dude.
Actually, that’s my fake opener for why I’m bothering with this subject in a blog when the real reason is that I just explained these things to a friend who is sore and I didn’t want to waste my knowledge on just-them so I’m sharing it with you because I love you so much.
Friend in question is suffering from feeling like a stinging bowl of jelly after a tough hike which I attended. I don’t feel like said jelly cuz I’m a machine, so instead I just feel that much stronger but the point of this isn’t to brag. Well, after this gratuitous thoughtful image of me at least it isn’t:
But feeling sore is actually good because it’s your muscles rebuilding themselves to be stronger. They’re going “oh shit. if we’re gonna need to be doing stuff like that then we better get on point here” and strengthens itself. when they’re not used the opposite obviously happens and muscles are like “well, we’re not even needed so whats the point?”
Don’t take the opportunity to work that same area because you mistakenly think that is the time to strike cuz the iron is hot. It’s the opposite. If you work them too much while they’re sore/rebuilding then then you can undo the gains they’re attempting. thats why gym rats will do “arm day”, “leg day”, etc, spacing it out. So for instance, today, i’ve been doing laps in the pool using only my arms and just letting my legs dangle in the water. so it’s like a back and shoulder day.
To help your muscles rebuild, REST that area and get a good nights sleep. Consume lots of protein (your muscle is made of the stuff. feed it up) and I recommend making a flax seed, chia seed, strawberry protein and tart cherry juice smoothie or two or three. You can get tart cherry juice at Trader Joes or Sprouts or whatever regional healthy-type grocery store is near you. Tart cherry juice is the stuff I use in my potent-purple wine substitute so be careful if you’re sensitive to melatonin (makes me fall asleep cuz i’m a light weight) but it is also a natural anti-inflammatory and real good for muscle recovery.
So don’t murder your muscles by stressing them days in a row, nourish them in protein and other nutrients and rest up and you can be a solid brick just like me. You’re welcome. <3
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