Muscle Aches and Muscle Cramps

[Artemis Windsong]

The second time in less than a month I was slowed up with muscle aches and muscle cramps.

The first time I had switched to a summer exercise and hit it too hard.

This past week, less than two weeks after the first problem, I was slowed up again.

I'm in the process of reviewing what I should have done and didn't.  A couple of ideas came from a marathon runners article on the subject of inflammation.
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Warm up properly.

Stretch when finished and rub myself down with rubbing alcohol.

Nourish with complex carb and a fruit.

Adequate water.

Ibuprofen, if needed, before and after.  (Just sayin' so don't flame me.)

Muscle rub like Aspercreme.

15 minute nap.
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I have recently added:

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1/2 cup water.

Tonic water.

Ginger capsules.

Dried cherries or cherry juice.
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Anyone have anything that will work fast and last overnight?  I recall dill pickle juice after a hot days workout from a thread a couple of years back.

[steph08]

I run a decent amount and have run a marathon, and I'll tell you what - besides drinking a lot of water, I really don't do any of those things. I would recommend protein after a really hard workout (shake or snack, whatever). I really only do that after long runs of 13+ miles.  Are you getting enough potassium as well?

The nap thing - that is exactly the opposite of what I do after a hard workout or long run. The more you are moving, the more your muscles are staying loose and not cramping on you. The worst thing you could do is to plop down on the couch for some TV watching or for a nap after a hard workout.  I have felt my best when, after doing a long run, I never sit down the rest of the day. Yesterday I did a run of 10 miles (first time I have run more than 6 since January) and I was sore when I was done. But I took a shower, went to the grocery store, raked some grass, washed two cars, and really never sat down until 9 p.m. My legs aren't sore one bit this morning and really weren't sore except for about two hours after the run, and then I was fine.

I also don't really stretch. I sometimes do beforehand, but rarely do I stretch after.

[Artemis Windsong]

I have used potassium but didn't mention it for a variety of reasons.

I may not have been clear.  I do cool off, and don't immediately lay on the couch or nap.  I take about an ounce of meat with me as a snack along with 1/2 cup coconut milk until I get home, and I do carry adequate water.

What worked immediately was the ACV in water.

I agree that working outside on the yard is one of the best forms of exercise and productive.  One woman I know had to cut down and move a large amount of tree debris.  So many people asked her what type of exercises she had added since she looked so good.