You gave it your all in that workout class. You know because your sore, aching muscles are sending you not-so-subtle reminders every time you move.
The next item on your fitness agenda should focus on recovery and soothing those post-workout aches and pains [1] — and that's where your bathtub comes into play.
Fill up your tub with warm water to help relax stiff muscles and soothe discomfort, and upgrade the experience by sprinkling in a fragrant bath soak or some bath salts.
(Disclaimer: There is no sound scientific evidence [2] that Epsom salts reduce pain, but they are often praised for alleviating aches.)
Dr Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Wellness Therapy Soaking Solution
At less than $10 per three-pound bag, Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Wellness Therapy Soaking Solution [5] ($7) is your budget-friendly bath soak option. Pour two cups of the rosemary and mint-scented salts into your tub, and soak for 20 minutes.
natureofthings Fortifying Magnesium Soak
natureofthings Fortifying Magnesium Soak [6] ($36) claims to not only ease sore muscles but enhance relaxation, promote a better night's sleep, combat inflammation, and gently exfoliate the skin, thanks to a compilation of ingredients like magnesium chloride, broad-spectrum hemp extract, French green clay, and papaya enzymes.
Osmia Organics Recovery Salt Bath
Powered by sea salt, olive oil, and lavender, Osmia Organics Recovery Salt Bath [7] ($29) claims to help soothe sore, aching muscles, while hydrating the skin and easing the mind.
Naturopathica Alpine Arnica Bath & Body Oil
Not into salts? Drizzle the Naturopathica Alpine Arnica Bath & Body Oil [8] ($34) into your bath, or massage it directly on a sore spot. The superstar of the formula is, of course, arnica, which is an herb that's been long used to address muscle pain.
Goop Phys.Ed Recovery Bath Soak
Made with a mixture of Dead Sea salt, Epsom salts, arnica, apple cider vinegar, and an essential oil blend of turmeric, ginger, and lavender, each bag of the Goop Phys.Ed Recovery Bath Soak [9] ($35) yields three relaxing baths. Poor one cup into warm water, steep, and de-stress.