Pro Cheer Prep Advice: How to Relieve Sore Muscles After a Workout

Just getting started with your pro cheer audition prep journey? You probably already know that following a workout routine can be physically challenging at the beginning. I'm talking about muscle soreness.

You're likely to experience delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) if your body isn't used to a certain kind of workout. DOMS usually peaks two to three days after a workout, and this is the time when your muscles are repairing themselves. Now, don't you worry because muscle soreness is NORMAL.

To help ease the pain, here are a couple of things you can do. Keep reading.

Get a relaxing massage.

It's no secret that a post-workout massage makes you feel extremely good. However, not all types of massage work to your advantage. If you feel really sore, you'll want to avoid deep tissue massage. Go for a traditional type of massage instead such as a Swedish massage. It will reduce the lactic acid in your muscles and increase blood flow.

Keep your muscle in motion with some light exercises.

Many aspiring pro cheerleaders make the mistake of not using their muscles completely because they feel sore. Laying in bed the whole day will not help you. You need to get your blood flowing throughout your body as this speeds up the healing process. Light exercises that get you moving include walking, lifting very light weights, and swimming.

Take a warm bath.

High-level athletes are known to take ice-cold baths to reduce inflammation and pain in their muscles. But did you know that warm baths also help? A high water temperature boosts blood flow, increases metabolic rate, and enhances the repair process. At home, you can add certain ingredients to your bathtub for greater relaxation. Try a muscle-soothing bath salt that has peppermint and eucalyptus.

Always have a cool-down phase after a workout.

Cooling down after a tough workout allows your body to gradually recover. Lifted weights at the gym? Did some HIIT exercises? Before you rush to the shower, spend 10 minutes for a full-body cool-down. Here are a few cool-down moves to do:

Wide toe touches
Glute stretches
Quad stretches
Side bench stretches
Chest cross arm swings

You can also jog in place or walk. When stretching, remember not to overstretch your muscles. Overstretching tightens your muscles instead of relaxing them.

Drink plenty of water.

Never underestimate the power of hydration. Dehydration can worsen muscle soreness while proper hydration reduces it. An electrolyte drink or coconut water are great options for replacing the electrolytes you lost through sweating. Such beverages are very helpful especially if you exercise in hot weather.

Anyone can experience muscle soreness. Aspiring pro cheerleaders and fitness enthusiasts in general. It's okay to feel sore, and soreness doesn't need to be the reason to quit exercising. While there is no real cure for muscle soreness, the things we discussed today should be able to aid you in recovery. We hope this guide helps!!!

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Pro cheerleaders stay fit, flexible, and strong so they can give out their best performance in the arena. However, achieving that wow-worthy, toned physique doesn’t happen overnight. You need to arm yourself with the right daily workouts.

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