Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Avoiding Muscle Soreness: Three Common Supplements

With all the strength training I've been doing and using heavier weights, I expected to have more muscle soreness than I have been (not that I'm complaining). Don't get the wrong idea, my muscles definitely FEEL like they've been through a workout. It's just that in the past, my soreness would be seriously intense. Like hard to walk and move intense.

Do I stretch after every workout? For the most part, yes. Do I foam roll? Not as often as I should. I have a lot of faith in my recovery sandals, but since I just received a new pair from Amazon I don't think they can take all the credit.

So what's going on?

My answer...supplements. I have started using a couple of new supplements that have super powers.


BCAAs

I started taking BCAAs after getting the flu in February as an energy aid. BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) also play a major role in muscle recovery. Basically, by taking one serving before my workout I get an energy boost to my muscles that helps me get through the workout. That same serving helps me bounce back quicker with less delayed onset muscle soreness occurring.

Magnesium

Every night before I go to bed I take a magnesium pill. Magnesium is calming and helps muscles relax which can help with sleep issues (which I have sometimes), but it also aids in the muscle recovery process. Magnesium is an anti-inflammatory which can help with post-workout inflammation and it relieves tight muscles which are a common result of lactic acid build up.

Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM)

Natural Eggshell Membrane was recommended to me by my chiropractor because it is known to help repair cartilage and because Glucosamine makes me nauseous ---> which I learned before having my meniscectomy. NEM contains naturally occurring glucosamine (so no side effects) which in some research is said to also help repair damaged tissue and reduce inflammation aiding muscle recovery.


While I started taking these supplements for other reasons, I will happily enjoy the extra benefit of less muscle soreness.

What I use (affiliate links):

BPI Sports Best BCAA Powder - arctic ice flavor

Life Extension Magnesium - 160mg

Healthy Origins Natural Eggshell Membrane


Do your supplements have super powers?


Today I'm doing the link-up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia for Tuesdays on the Run! 




12 comments:

  1. Magnesium is also a laxative! I can't take it because well, you know...

    I haven't heard of eggshell membrane. Interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I use a magnesium spray. I've also found Nuun to be super helpful to me this summer (preventing cramps).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't tried a spray, but I've used the cream version. It was just like using biofreeze or bengay.

      Delete
  3. I take a multivitamin and a calcium pill but that's all. For some reason I am leary of all those supplements on the market. My husband on the other hand seems to take them ALL...haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My husband is way ahead of me too. I just started using these supplements this year - and I only use BCAAs on training days.

      Delete
  4. I second what Wendy said about Magnesium. I do use a spray though or soak in a magnesium bath. I'm a huge fan of BCAA's. I also swear by collagen twice a day. I've done some VERY hard strength workout with zero soreness after and I agree, it's pretty amazing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm hearing more people say collagen...time for me to look into that one!

      Delete
  5. I have just started using collagen recently, and have been taking turmeric for several years. I also have a magnesium spray I use some times. I should look into the BCAA's....

    ReplyDelete
  6. I often wonder if my vitamins do anything at all for me. I have not tried the ones you use. I know people swear by collagen lately but I need to find a vegetarian version.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Magnesium is a must for me! I have a magnesium oil spray that I use and I also use a lotion with magnesium as well.

    ReplyDelete

I love comments!

*