Now that many of you are a month into your New Year’s resolutions and probably feeling a bit sore and stiff from using your body in ways you haven’t in a long time, here are some tips to help you deal with that soreness.

1. Try taking contrast showers. This is where following your workout, you head to the showers and spend a minute in warm water and a minute in as cold water as you can tolerate. Keep repeating this for several cycles, about four or five should do the trick, or more if you really over did it. Just a couple of words of warning. Obviously, those who have heart conditions should proceed with caution (that cold water can be a bit of a shock to your body), and also keep the water on your body, as exposing your head to this can lead to headaches. Baths work even better if you can get two together.

2.Taking fish oils will provide your body with Omega 3 fatty acids that help to reduce the inflammation response in the body. Fish oil is a blood thinner, so if you are in the armed forces, a police officer, or already on a blood thinner, you may want to take less than what the label says. Also, if you’re on blood thinners already, ask your doctor before starting this.

3.Use spices such as ginger and turmeric. These are both very powerful anti-inflammatories, and they can help make your food much tastier too (an added bonus).

4. Of course, stretching and getting regular massages are staples in dealing with muscle soreness and should never be over looked.

I hope these tips help to reduce any pain and stiffness you may have, so that you can continue pursuing your goals!