If you’ve trained hard or undertaken a new exercise routine, it is common for your muscles to ache after the workout, especially if it’s at the beginning stages of a new program, or if you have increased the intensity of your workout. Of course, anyone who has ever experienced this muscle pain or stiffness after a workout will know that it can be agonizing, and will make you reluctant to get back to the gym and train again. But the good news is that after continuing to work those muscles they will become stronger and the pain will decrease.

You may be thinking that’s all good and well, but how do you get rid of the aching that you’re feeling now? There are a few ways to do this, and one of these ways is with heat. A hot bath or shower will help relax the muscles and ease the tension, but will also increase blood flow to the affected muscles. And according to CommonSenseHome, a home remedy for sore muscles is Epsom salt, dissolved in a warm bath. The site suggests using warm water instead of hot because this won’t dry out your skin, and then to soak for 15 minutes, or until the water has cooled, and repeat this three times a week.

When you're suffering from aches, it's important to take it easy and do not try to push your body to its limits. That said, keeping the muscle in motion can be done by doing lighter exercises like walking or swimming, which are beneficial as this will get the blood flowing into the sore muscles.

Even once your muscles have recovered it is best to ease back into exercise and be aware of your posture during your workout to prevent unnecessary injury. It’s also important to remember to stretch, as David O. Draper, a professor at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, told WebMD, "People don't stretch enough. Stretching helps break the cycle, which goes from soreness to muscle spasm to contraction and tightness.” He also commented on how cooling down after a workout is essential.

A massage could help stimulate blood circulation. You can either opt for a professional massage or learn how to self-massage at home or as Buzzfeed proves, you can even use a tennis ball.

Be sure to get enough water as it’s incredibly important to hydrate and stay away from caffeine and alcohol which could dehydrate you further. But pineapple and tart cherries could also help with the recovery process as Everyday Health notes that these fruits have anti-inflammatory properties.

Research published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine (via Women’s Health) also suggests that taking Omega 3 tablets would reduce soreness and inflammation 48 hours after a workout.

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