As we hit the peak of New Years resolution season — where the gyms are crowded and bustling with that infectious fresh-start energy — it’s very possible you might get a little carried away with your workouts and end up super sore. Enthusiasm can get the best of you, the runner’s high or hype of your spin class can go from “wow, I feel incredible — I am strength,” to “my body is a skin prison of pain” real fast.
And, hey, it happens to the best of us. But you need to take care of yourself if you’re gonna stick with any fitness routine. To nurture your sore muscles and round out your good workout with some extra TLC, you want to have a recovery plan that caters to your specific self-care needs. If you know you’ve got bad knees or sore feet or jello arms after a particular session, plan ahead and scoop up the right products to keep in your gym bag (or close to your coziest spot on the couch) to make up the perfect post-workout recovery tool kit.
Everyone’s bodies, workouts and tolerance for soreness is different, so be sure to hunt down the products that vibe best with you and your workout of choice. Here’s just a few suggestions of things you can keep on hand to treat yourself once the endorphins wear off.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
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Switch2Pure Be Chill CBD Body Rub
Image Credit: Switch2Pure. CBD (short for cannabidiol — one of the compounds in cannabis that doesn’t get you high) is everywhere in the wellness space right now and celebrated for its potential healing properties. I will always advise you deep-research every CBD product you buy to make sure it’s made with the highest quality materials — due to the fairly unregulated, wild west market of products. But, considering this body rub from Switch2Pure has lived in my bag ever since I got it, I feel comfortable recommending it if you’re interested in trying out a CBD product for your sore body.
It’s got a great smell, doesn’t make you feel like a greasy mess and has relieved my post-workout pain and my “I-slept-like-a-dumb-dummy-on-my-neck” pain.
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Grid Foam Roller
Image Credit: Amazon. Foam rollers are often recommended to ease tension and restore blood flow — especially if you’re a habitual gym rat. You can get fancy ones that vibrate, if fittech is your style, but a simple, durable roller like this one (with a smart grid design) is something you can always rely on.
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KT Recovery + Ice Heat Wrap System
Image Credit: KT Recovery. Ice and heat therapy is often recommended for your overworked bod, but they can be hard to manage if you’re chasing kids around the house or trying to function post-workout. This heat and wrap system is a great way to get all the benefits of heat or ice without laying up on the couch all afternoon. (Unless you want to!)
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Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak
Image Credit: Amazon. This isn’t the last soak you’ll see on this list but, if you’re a coconut lover, it might be your favorite. This will leave your skin feeling so soft and moisturized (especially if you’re braving some winter runs or cold communites to and from the gym) and you’ll be ready to drift off to sleep ASAP.
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ActivePro Zone Massage Balls
Image Credit: Amazon. If you want the most compact way to massage knots and discomfort out of your post-workout bod, these balls are gonna be your best friends. Roll ’em on your back, your feet sore trigger point and feel some major relief.
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Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak
Image Credit: Elemis. Clearly, we believe in the healing power of a good soak around here. This one from Elemis is designed with your aching muscles in mind, with a foaming bath that energizes and warms your weary limbs.
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Oster My Blend
Image Credit: Amazon. This personal blender from Oster is ideal for when you’re the only one downing a post-workout smoothie. Prep your favorite fruit before you hit the gym, blend and sip. (Ideal for when your arms are too tired to do a bunch of dishes.)
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Ursa Major Cool Down Kit
Image Credit: Athleta. Sometimes all you need after your workout is to feel clean, fresh and not-as-stinky. Go from the gym to wherever else you need to be without an extra trip home with this cool down kit complete with face wipes, deodorant and a face wash.
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Fabletics Fleece Pullover
Image Credit: Fabletics. Especially in the colder months, a cozy something to pull on after you’ve broken a sweat can be a godsend. It’ll keep you from catching a cold on your way home from the gym and help you get into cuddly self-care mode. I’d live in this one if I could.
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Pin it!
Image Credit: Switch2Pure, Amazon, Athleta. Design: Ashley Britton/SheKnows. Pin it now, and shop these workout recovery tools later.
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