Whether you're embracing the new normal of returning to your favourite gym or you're continuing to work out at home, here are seven natural products which can help to ease some of those post-exercise muscle aches and pains.
Bath & Shower Helpers: Magnesium & Sea Salt
One of the best ways to relax your muscles after a tough workout, especially if you've been lifting weights or doing high strenuous exercises such as HITT or spinning, is to take a warm bath and there are countless products that you can use. Popular favourites are Epsom Salts of course, but I wanted to feature a product that has Sea Salt instead as some people can find Epsom Salts to be a bit too irritating if they have sensitive skin, so Sea Salt is often better tolerated by all skin types. I'm a big fan of JOIK Energizing Bath Salt* (500g, £6.50, link) which is 100% natural and has invigorating citrus essential oils to give your body and mind a stimulating boost, as well as helping to relax muscle tension.
I also love REN's amazing luxury Anti-Fatigue range and the SLS-free Atlantic Kelp & Magnesium Body Wash* (250ml, £22, link) is ideal for those who don't have a bath, or are short on time and want to use something quick and easy in the shower to instantly revive tired skin. I featured the Exfoliating Body Scrub from this range in my last Empties post which is another long-time fave of mine.
Topical Treats: Creams, Gels and Sprays
Pop into any health store and you'll find a huge selection of topical products to soothe aching muscles in a variety of formulas and formats so you can pick and choose depending on your personal preference. If you want a cream product, Ying Yang Skincare MSM Cream* (180ml, £24.95, link) is one of the best that I've tried as it contains a potent and effective blend with 9% MSM to provide comfortable relief to overworked muscles - perfect for using after Hot Yoga or running.
For something more affordable, I highly recommend Organii Soothing Arnica Gel* (50ml, £3.95, link) as Arnica is a fantastic natural ingredient for helping to reduce any kind of inflammation and swelling. It's also useful for those who suffer from muscle pains related to Arthritis, and it's a must-have if you do any contact sports where bruises may occur.
My overall favourite topical product though is a high-quality Magnesium Oil Spray and when you're buying one, make sure it's 100% natural and contains a high dose of Magnesium Chloride for the best results. I've used this one from KIKI Health* (125ml, £12.50, link) for years and I always have a bottle in my gym bag. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in your body but it's quickly depleted with intense exercise so a topical spitz applied to aching muscles can reduce painful spasms and contractions within minutes.
Internal Supplements: Turmeric & MSM Flakes
Supplements are a useful addition to anyone's daily routine and if you regularly exercise, two that I find helpful are Turmeric and MSM Flakes (Glucosamine is also a must if you're over 50 yrs old). I regularly purchase Twenty First Century Herbs Turmeric Supplements (30 capsules, £5, link) as they don't contain any unnecessary fillers/bulking agents and are vegan and gluten-free. Turmeric is an incredible natural anti-inflammatory so it's another product that I recommend trying if you suffer from any regular joint pain or have Arthritis etc.
MSM Flakes are a nutritional form of sulphur which can be taken internally with benefits ranging from maintaining healthy joints and muscles to improving skin, hair and nails. Again, I always suggest purchasing a product which is high-quality and 100% natural such as KIKI Health MSM Flakes* (100g, £9.95, link) and these are easy to dissolve in a glass of juice or a smoothie. They are an 'acquired' taste though so if you don't find them palatable, stick with the MSM Cream above or try the 'pinched nose' technique when you take them!
Have you returned to the gym since they re-opened?
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