Bringing my muscles back to life

I don’t claim to be a fitness for moms guru–because I am not. I don’t even write about working out as often as I should!

Normally my defense is that I would rather go to the gym than write about it. Normally.

The last few weeks I’ve had house guests, sick kids, and two weekend road trips.  That is in addition to our normal school and soccer craziness.

So I skipped the gym. And because I skipped the gym, I stopped making good food choices.  It’s like that for me. Working out motivates me to eat healthier because I hate ruining my hard work. Food is fuel and good fuel makes for a better performance when lifting.

The absolute worst part of taking a gym vacation is the day after I go back! The muscle soreness is real folks. My body punishes me as if to ask “were the half dozen donuts and the chicken and dumpling really worth it?” (They were. I can’t lie.)

Here are 3 tips that work for easing that muscle soreness.

I’ve found that it helps whether you’ve been away from the gym for years or for weeks, like me. Please note: NOTHING can completely stop muscle soreness post first workout…well, except for not actually working the muscles. Also, if you are starting a new exercise regimen then it is best to consult with your doctor. I am not a doctor nor am I a certified personal trainer.

Start off light

After taking a break from working out, I always expect a reduction in the amount of weight I can handle. This is especially true with back squats for me.

As a mom, I have resigned myself to the fact that I will often have to take time off from the gym. My daughter has juvenile arthritis and my son has a busy soccer schedule half of the year. It’s just a fact of my life. I love to work out but I love my kids even more.

The last time I went back after a hiatus, I not only started at half the weight and my normal intensity. I also decided to save my “sorest” muscle groups for last. If I could only do one exercise, I would always choose to squat. Unfortunately, my legs are prone to the most soreness.

I found that after a week of cardio (jogging/cycling/ellipitical) and a few days of training my back, abs, and upper body first, working out my legs did not result in the same hobbling soreness that I had come to expect.

Drink your BCAAs

Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) reduce protein breakdown and stimulates your body’s ability to make proteins. Protein is used for fuel and is the basic building block that makes up muscles. When you push your muscle to work more than they are used to, they are damaged. The body repairs the damage to be able to handle the increased workload which in turn makes you stronger. BCAAs provide a ready source of the amino acids that your body uses to make protein. (This is my non-nerdy short explanation since most people–especially busy moms–don’t know what BCAAs are or for.)

Drink Tart Cherry Juice to reduce muscle soreness brought on by inflammation of those muscles

I’ve been reading some interesting support for the use of Tart Cherry Juice as an anti-inflammatory. I feed my daughter fresh cherries and pineapple to reduce the inflammation in her knees. It is inflammation in the muscles that cause the pain and soreness. Though, the juice is not able to eradicate post exercise muscle soreness, studies involving runners do point to a decrease in the amount of pain after runs.

I’ve been supplementing with BCAAs and whey protein for several years. I’m also pretty loyal to my chosen brands. Though I consistently use the same brand of protein powder, I have always purchased BCAAs by whatever was readily available at the store I happened to be in when shopping for it.

Enter Isopure Aminos

I was intrigued when I saw that Isopure had formulated an amino supplement with a focus on muscle recovery. I was reeled in when I read that #Isopure combined their BCAAs with Tart Cherry Juice and L-Theanine, which calms the mind.  It’s also dairy free and gluten free. 

Score! My reason for working out #BehindTheMuscle is because it helps me deal with stress and keeps me happy.

I was provided a sample of Isopure Aminos for this review.

I did some cardio this morning and tried the Isopure Amino Proteins. The fruity punch taste is surprisingly delicious. I didn’t taste any of the chalkiness I have come to expect from BCAAs. It’s early yet but I haven’t felt any soreness following my rowing session. (My husband got the BEST rower for us. It puts the gym’s rowing machine to shame. If you have a fitness fanatic spouse, I highly recommend this rower for a Christmas present.)

I am going to have a scoop after my weight training session this afternoon. Wish me luck, I’m going to need it!