You may feel satisfied after a good workout and there is nothing better than the sense that you have achieved something (the release of endorphins helps too), but the burn that comes after is far less enjoyable.

Muscle ache after hitting the gym could be a result of increasing the intensity of your workout, doing something you have not done before, or unusual exercises that lengthen the muscle, WebMD reports.

Everyday Health reports that hydrating before and during your workout, as well as stretching and warming up, could help prevent the muscle aches. It’s also essential to be aware of your posture while training. But if you do still experience after-workout muscle soreness then it’s best to eat foods like pineapples and cherries, because they have anti-inflammatory properties.

Healthline notes that one of the best ways to ease the pain is to rest the body and avoid high-impact activities, however, doing stress relieving exercises like yoga and gentle stretching can also help reduce tension.

And then there are home remedies you can avail of. Common Sense Home lists several ways to help ease the pain and stiffness. Among the cures is an Epsom bath, in which you can dissolve Epsom salt in a warm tub of water. Heat is wonderful for helping to relax muscles, but if your shower doesn’t do the trick then you could benefit from a natural muscle relaxer, which the publication claims are great for relieving tension and knots.

Other treatments may be eating foods with magnesium because low levels of the substance could be causing muscle cramps and pains. Common Sense Home notes that foods which are high in magnesium include cocoa powder, black beans, flax seeds, cashews, and almonds.

However, if the pain does not go away after a few days of rest and home remedies, then it may be time to see your general practitioner.

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