CREDIT: KERRA SEAY
After a long, hard workout, it is super important to get a good cool down/ stretch in and the next day it is better to engage in active rest rather than lay on the couch. A good example of active rest is going for a long walk.

An especially tough week, or even one day, can result in muscle soreness (the kind where you can barely move or brush your teeth). It’s time to rest and rest comes in many forms.

Active rest

Whether you are just starting to exercise or you had an extra hard workout, you likely need active rest. Many people make the mistake of taking a day off on the couch or they sleep in for a couple extra hours. Keep your body on the same routine but with different activities. Try taking a long walk, a leisurely swim, doing gentle yoga, doing active housework or going on a bike ride. These are all light to moderate activities that will help prevent your muscles from seizing up. Take it easy, and keep in mind that the idea is to just move your body with dynamic range of motion exercises. By doing these activities, you’ll continue to burn calories efficiently and you’ll feel more prepared for a harder, effective workout the next day.

Activity change

Sometimes your body can benefit from a total change for a day or two. It can still be in the form of a tough workout, but one where the affected areas can rest. You could basically do the same activities in tip number one, but with more intensity. Instead of a muscle conditioning focus, the goal is to focus on your cardio-respiratory system.

TLC

On the day of your hard activity, if you have any soreness or swelling of any kind, try a good long stretch, followed by rest with a cold compress. You can use a towel soaked in icy water, rung out and placed on the affected area for five minutes or so. Try incorporating a soothing heat product or service the next day. A warm, gentle massage is best, but you can also use a heating pad and gently massage yourself. For hard to reach areas like your back, try using tennis balls placed between the affected area and the wall. Move your torso around gently to help work out the kinks. If you have access to a trigger point foam roll, this can be effective too. Just don’t overdo it by applying the pressure for too long or in the same area.

Bath

Finish the day with a warm tub soak in Epsom salts and some soothing essential oils such as marjoram, ginger, rosemary, lavender and chamomile. Even just 10 minutes can really help you to relax and feel rejuvenated for the next day.

Sleep

Make sure to always get a good seven to nine hours a night and preferably within the same time frame every night.

Rest is just as important as eating healthy and working out. Make sure you understand what kind of rest you need and trust that inner voice.