Whether you are new to running, a casual runner or an avid runner – recovery is an important step to ensure a healthy body.

The 10^th Annual Asheville Marathon & Half run takes place in our home City of Asheville, North Carolina, a race noted as a dream come true for runners looking to get a personal best in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

As proud sponsors of the 2022 Asheville Marathon & Half, the Epsom Salt Council seeks to build the awareness of a key element to help boost post-marathon recovery.

Post-workout recovery helps repair muscles, avoid injuries, and allows the body to recuperate before your next big workout. For runners in search of a post-marathon recovery plan, incorporating Epsom salt can help those looking to recover quicker, and move on to their new goals.

Foam rolling and stretching are effective methods, but if there is lingering tightness, Epsom salt baths can boost the recovery process, and effectively heal sore muscles and relieve pain. Not to mention, Epsom salt is also effective in reducing stress.

With just a 15-minute soak in warm water mixed with Epsom salt, runners may experience the following three benefits:

1. Pain relief – Epsom salt, when dissolved in water, separates into magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium is known for improving blood circulation in your body and aids in muscle regeneration. Sulfate can aid in your body’s recovery process.
2. Relive muscle soreness and stress – if you experience muscle soreness including cramps and aches after an intense and/or long run, Epsom salt baths give you the opportunity to replenish the magnesium levels in your body.
3. Prevent muscle inflammation – Epsom salt baths have been used to treat sprains, strained muscles and even bruises. Soaking in a 15-minute bath will help your body relax, recover and relieve your body of pain.

To prepare your Epsom salt bath, all you need is a bathtub and warm water. Experts recommend adding two cups of Epsom salt to a standard-sized tub and soaking for 15 to 30 minutes. For added benefits, you can also add any essential oil of your choice to the water to aid in stress relief and relaxation.

For runners looking to soak tired feet after a long-run or marathon – an Epsom salt foot bath is a good recovery solution, just add a cup of Epsom salt to a small tub of warm water to relieve aching feet.

Epsom salt baths are a great recovery aid for people who enjoy running. A time-tested tradition that can alleviate pain, reduce stress, help your muscles relax and aid in the recovery process. This is true for veteran runners, or for someone new to running or racing.

Before soaking in Epsom salt, people with chronic diseases or who are taking medication should consult their doctors.

Note: For human use, the Epsom Salt Council recommends only Epsom salt with the USP designation.