July 9, 2012 — Summer can be especially exhausting for athletes. Recovery is often more difficult, because hot workouts cause more fluid and electrolyte loss, as well as an increase in core temperature, said Ben Greenfield, one of the nation’s top fitness, triathlon, and nutrition experts.
Greenfield was voted in 2008 as the Personal Trainer of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and recently wrote the "Get Fit Guy's Guide to Achieving Your Ideal Body." He said to enhance recovery, athletes should take a cold shower or ice bath directly after a workout, followed by an Epsom salt bath a few hours later or even the next day.
“If I’m sore post-workout, or after a long weekend of training, I’ll draw a bath and throw a few cups of Epsom salt in to help relax the muscle, decrease swelling and inflammation, and speed up recovery,” Greenfield said.
After athletes have a chance to cool, Greenfield recommends adding 2 to 3 cups of Epsom salt to a bathtub with water about 100 to 103 degrees (not too hot, since that can limit the absorption of Epsom salt — actually magnesium sulfate — which researchers have found can be absorbed through the skin).
Epsom salt baths can also be used to deal with lingering tightness or injuries that may be holding some out of summer training, said Greenfield, who has a BA and MA from the University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology and personal training, plus strength and conditioning certifications from the NSCA.
Every muscle operates via a fine electrochemical balance, Greenfield said. The electrolytes in Epsom salt can help to displace some of the charges across the muscular membrane, particularly those from calcium, which he said causes a contracted muscle to relax.
Greenfield also said foot soaks can help after long runs, or for athletes battling any type of plantar fascia or Achilles pain. To do that, he’d add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a large pan of warm water, and soak the feet for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by rinsing and drying. In general, though, he prefers baths.
“Go big,” Greenfield says, “or go home.”
About Ben Greenfield
Voted in 2008 as the Personal Trainer of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Ben Greenfield is recognized as one of the top fitness, triathlon, and nutrition experts in the nation, and has authored multiple books, including the “Get Fit Guy’s Guide to Achieving Your Ideal Body.” He coaches and trains individuals all over the world for weight loss, lean muscle gain, holistic wellness, and sports performance. Ben hosts the highly popular Get-Fit Guy podcast on the Quick and Dirty Tips network, which racks up about 170,000 downloads per month, and he’s a frequent contributor to Triathlete magazine, LAVA magazine, Endurance Planet, and the outdoor sports magazine OutThere Monthly. He has a BA and MA from the University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology and personal training, plus strength and conditioning certifications from the NSCA. During the past 10 years, Ben has helped hundreds of clients (from beginners to professionals) achieve weight loss and fitness success. For more training and fitness tips, athletes can access Ben’s podcast, blog postings, and more at www.bengreenfieldfitness.com.
About Epsom salt
Epsom salt – actually magnesium sulfate – is one of the most versatile household products, with uses ranging from creating at-home spa treatments to soothing achy muscles to helping start or improve gardens. It’s been used therapeutically for hundreds of years, and it’s gaining a new generation of fans looking for a safe, economical alternative in a sea of expensive, over-the-counter remedies. Epsom salt is easy to use, easy to find in your local pharmacy or grocery store and it costs about the same per use as a cup of coffee. For more information, please visit either www.epsomsaltcouncil.org, www.facebook.com/epsomsalt, or contact Peter Smolowitz, (704) 916-6163, psmolowitz@mower.com.
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