Whether you’re training for a long run or just enjoying a good workout, sore muscles are inevitable. In fact, simply being on your feet all day can be enough to cause discomfort and injury. Small tears and strains are easily treated with rest and home remedies (please see your doctor for any new, severe, or worsening pain), but there are a few things you can do before and after activity to prevent soreness in the first place.
Everyone has heard about the importance of stretching, especially alongside a workout exercise, but compression is another great way to soothe achey muscles. Not only do they decrease muscle vibration, allowing your muscles to work longer, they also help promote blood circulation throughout the body. You can wear them from nearly head to toe, but these five stand out for their high quality and great performance.
Slipping on a compression sleeve or sock can do wonders for a workout or a long day, even if you’re recovering from an injury. You’ll want to buy a specific type of sleeve to target certain muscles or joints, of course, but you can select from any item on this list if you’re just looking to improve circulation and overall fatigue.
Don’t be afraid to give a few different products a try, too. Comfort is essential when you’ll be wearing an item for a while, especially if you’re planning on moving around a lot, but you don’t want to be loose enough to be ineffective. Alternatively, a compression sleeve shouldn’t be snug enough that it hurts. With some patience, though, you’re sure to find the most helpful and supportive sleeve or brace for your body.
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