10 Ways to Make Abs Feel Better after Situps

Many people think that they will only be sore after exercising for the first time. The truth is, your muscles can become sore anytime you change your routine or increase the duration or intensity or your workout. Listed below you will find ten ways to make abs feel better after situps.

1. Aerobic Recovery. When working out, your body builds up lactic acid, which can get into your muscles and cause cramping. Cool downs help your muscles absorb the lactic acid. By finishing your workout with some low impact aerobics you are also increasing blood flow and diminishing muscle soreness.
2. Ice Bath. Although there is no evidence to prove the effectiveness of ice baths, many pro athletes use them, and swear that they reduce muscle soreness. You can also use ice packs on just your abdomen, if entire body submersion doesn’t appeal to you.
3. Anti-Inflammatory. Aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen can help to temporarily relieve muscle soreness and inflammation, however, they will not help cure it. Make sure to talk to your doctor before taking anti-inflammatories prior to exercising, as studies have shown it to be not recommended.
4. Relax. When we are in pain, we tend to hold our breath and tense up, this will only make your sore abs feel worse. Try lying down and taking slow deep breaths to relax your body.
5. Use the Toilet. This may sound strange, but while working your abdominal muscles your digestive tract will speed up and can cause gas or an urge to go. Try using the bathroom to relieve yourself, to see if this is the cause of stomach pain.
6. Wait Before Exercising Again. When you exercise your muscles, you create tiny tears in them. As they heal, they become stronger. While you should continue to exercise, you will want to give yourself time to heal. Wait twenty-four hours before exercising again to let the tears repair themselves.
7. Walk It Off. Walking after situps is a great cool down that can help to relieve soreness.
8. Massage. Most people think of back or leg pain being relieved by massage, but it works on the stomach muscles as well. You can do this yourself, ask a friend or family member, or go to a professional.
9. Stretching. Stretching is always a good idea prior to exercise to prevent injury, but can be beneficial after exercise as well. By stretching after exercising, you give your muscles a chance to loosen up and prevent tight spasms.
10. Hydrate. You should always keep yourself hydrated prior to and during exercise. However, if you did get dehydrated while exercising, you will experience cramping and soreness in the abdomen and the only way to cure this is to rehydrate.

Feeling sore after a workout is normal, if it is new to you, or if you increased your normal routine. A few days of being sore is fine, but if it lasts longer than that, you should see a doctor. Also make sure to check in with your doctor, if the pain is acute or severe.
Taken From Nondiet