relax muscles

Beginner Triathlete

Training for a triathlon is no easy task, especially when you’re new at it. All of that running, cycling, and swimming can take a toll on your body and leave you feeling tight.
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While some soreness is expected, you want to minimize any tightness you feel in order to increase your training results and avoid injury.
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Luckily, relaxing sore muscles after a workout can be done easily from the comfort of your own home. Below are 5 tips you can use to do this.
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1. Stretch After Your Training Session

Static stretching after a workout is ideal for muscle recovery. After you exercise, your muscles are warm and have well-oxygenated blood flowing through them.
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This is the perfect time to stretch them out. Stretch the areas where you are normally tight, like your hips and calves. For best results, hold each stretch for 15 seconds. You will feel a decrease in next-day soreness and you’ll be getting more flexible in the process.
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2. Jump in an Ice Bath

Ice is a great tool in recovery, which is why so many professional athletes swear by it. It helps combat the inflammation that comes with a vigorous workout, and helps to relieve and revitalize your tired muscles and mind.
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Fill your tub with water first, and add ice as needed. The temperature should be around 60 degrees, and you should spend 15 minutes “chilling” out. Your body will thank you later.
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3. Use Compression Gear

Working out creates small tears in your muscles, causing that annoying soreness and tightness you feel the next day. You want to increase blood flow to your muscles during recovery to aid in their healing.
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Using compression clothing after a workout helps to keep your blood circulating. This way, your body is able to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged muscles. The longer you wear your gear, the better the effects.
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4. Take a Hot Bath

Hours after training, use heat to relax your muscles. Taking a hot bath with Epsom salt can be healing for both body and mind, and it is a great option for the one-time triathlete. However, if your goal is to run triathlons with regularity, investing in a hot tub is worth the money.
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Purchasing a hot tub with massaging jets will add to the restorative effects of your soaking session. You’ll have control over water temperature and jet pressure, allowing you to customize your healing experience.
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Training for a triathlon is anything but easy. Taking care of your body is essential to your continued success, and that begins with having healthy, relaxed muscles.
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