Stretch and foam roll: Physically manipulating the muscles can increase blood flow and help clear out the waste and prevent soreness from last too long
Munch on some berries: Blueberries, tart cherries and other dark fruits help muscles get rid of waste and ease the pain during that rebuilding stage
Drink up: Hydrating before, during, and after your workout will help your muscles recover more quickly
Find some protein: A healthy dose of protein after exercise will help to repair your muscles and improve strength
If your pain is more serious and you think you have an injury, stop exercising and reach out to your doctor or physical therapist. They can assess the damage and a therapist can give you exercises to relieve the pain and improve function in that part of your body so that you can return to dominating your fitness goals!
Sharita Jennings is a health policy attorney and certified group fitness instructor and nutrition specialist. She leads fitness classes in Washington, DC and provides online coaching and tips on her site, GetFitLikeThat.com.