I talk a lot about embarking on healthier habits, but I also don’t like to talk about extremes or encourage wholesale change.
I wholeheartedly believe in improving eating and exercise habits (just to be clear for me this doesn’t involve any form of starvation, torture or crazy goals. Just what works for your body and makes you feel good). However, what some people don’t tell you is when you start, it doesn’t always feel great.
What???
If I start eating and moving better, I’m not going to feel like skipping through meadows?? Then why would I do it?
Don’t Worry it’s Only Temporary
It doesn’t happen to everyone, but some people actually feel worse when they make improvements to their diet and exercise. This is especially common around 2-4 weeks in when someone has made lots of changes at the same time. As your body gets used to your new way of being it.
What Can I Do?
If you implement one small change at a time this is less likely to happen.
But, if you want to make a wholesale change and this happens then just be kind to yourself. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and increase your rest and relaxation.
A side note on muscle soreness
When you change or increase your exercise you can end up feeling a little sore.
Some trainers may make you feel like this MUST happen. No pain, no gain and all that.
However, this isn’t true at all. You also don’t need to feel super sore to make progress. In fact, it can actually be counterproductive if you end up so sore you can’t do anything for a week afterwards!
To avoid severe muscle soreness, make sure you gradually increase your activity level, warm up and cool down properly, stretch directly after every session and then consider foam rolling.
If you do a little too much then…
If you do find you’ve done a little too much and stairs are a challenge then the top ways to deal with muscle soreness are:
– drinking plenty of water
– light stretching
– light massage
– alternating hot and cold
– having a warm bath with added Epsom salts
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