According to a recent survey, most skiers consider it normal to feel muscle soreness after a great day on the slopes: "Muscle pain and minor injuries have always been 'collateral effects' of winter sports" think the majority of them. However, muscular issues shouldn't ruin your holiday!
To avoid these minor injuries, it's essential to warm up properly and stretch generously before starting any activity requiring significant physical effort. These stretches should then be repeated, though more gently, at the end of the physical activity.
But where does muscle soreness come from? Well, when we exercise, our oxygen demand increases, and our body generates more 'harmful' molecules: free radicals (oxygen molecules with an additional ion, increasing our body's sugar demand). Free radicals are partly responsible for that characteristic pain felt in the days after physical activity: muscle soreness!
Nutrients rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and bioflavonoids (antioxidants typically found in citrus fruits and green tea) can help counteract this negative effect on our muscles during exertion. Regular intake of these nutrients significantly reduces injury risk and, if soreness occurs, shortens recovery time for damaged muscles. It's recommended to take 1g of vitamin C or bioflavonoids two or three times daily.
Bromelain, a pineapple extract, also enhances the body's anti-inflammatory properties: taking 500mg of bromelain three times daily on an empty stomach will help effectively prevent muscle soreness. Vitamin C and bromelain - fight soreness in a completely natural way!
But what to do when soreness strikes? For quick relief, use traditional arnica ointment: applied two or three times daily to the affected area, your pain will disappear quickly!
So don't hesitate - follow these tips, strap on your skis, and hit the slopes!
