Bathing in Epsom Salts after training or sporting events can help to relieve muscle pains and aches. So what more perfect way to relax and regenerate after a hard bout of exercise than soaking in an Epsom Salts bath?
Epsom Salts administered this way has been shown to reduce swelling, improve circulation as well as relax, de-stress and improve mood. The key to post sport and training recovery is muscle regeneration and magnesium is involved in this process. Athletes need more protein, calcium and Vitamin D all of which demand more available magnesium. Both stress and intense exercise deplete your body of magnesium resulting in cramps and aches which an Epsom Salts soak will go a long way to relieving. Interestingly a warm Epsom Salt soak can also be used for sprains and strains.
If you are a female athlete you can derive special benefit from a magnesium boost particularly prior to your period. By increasing the number of Epsom Salts baths two weeks prior you’ll find less fatigue and pain and fewer mood swings and thereby improve your sporting performance during these times.
Ben Greenfield*, a US fitness and nutrition expert, says that “every muscle operates via a fine electrochemical balance and the electrolytes in Epsom salt can help displace some of the charges across the muscular membrane, particularly those from calcium, which causes a contracted muscles to relax. He also advises foot soaks after long runs or anyone battling plantar fascia or Achilles pain. You can do this by adding 1/2 cup of Epsom Salts to a large pan of warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes. But why not hop into a bath and get the same benefit all over?
[*Ben Greenfield holds a BA and MA from the University of Idaho in sports science, exercise physiology and personal training.]