Winter Can Be a Pain!

Running in the Winter

Yes, winter can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be. Lots of folks complain about the cold temperatures worsening aches and pains after working out, raking leaves, or shoveling snow. It is true that the colder it is, the longer it takes you to warm up. And when muscles are cold, they are not as flexible, nor do they have as much energy. This makes them more prone to a syndrome called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS.

There are ways you can reduce this type of pain and help to prevent it in the first place.

First, pace yourself. Raking leaves on a chilly day with a cold north wind? Slow down and go in the house a few times to warm up. Also, snow shoveling is responsible for a great deal of post exertion pain, as it is not only strenuous, but works muscles not in common use. If you are shoveling, take a break. Especially if you are out of shape, take a break after 15 or 20 minutes of shoveling. It doesn’t have to be a
long break but put the shovel down and rest a bit before you start again.

fall scents for your home

Second, dress for the weather. If you are cold, your muscles are cold. Add layers if you are working outside, and change to warmer workout gear. Consider adding flannel and thermal wear to your wardrobe. Your muscles will thank you.

Third, take a little extra time to warm up. Walk at a moderate pace on the treadmill for 10 or 15 minutes, or use a stationary bike, before you begin a strenuous activity. However, you don’t have to have expensive exercise equipment. Does anybody remember that great song from grade school gym class “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”? If you go through that song a few times, you will certainly get your
circulation moving.

Last, but certainly not least, what to do if you do end up with pain and muscle soreness? The good news is that there are many choices available to address pain. The bad news is that some of them carry risks you can do without.

Terry Naturally CuraminThere is a safe and effective dietary supplement called Curamin from the natural products company, Terry Naturally. It has won over 28 “Best Of” awards in its 10 years on the market. It includes the most clinically studied enhanced absorption curcumin in the world, blended with other ingredients like boswellia with unique standardizations that approach pain from several perspectives. This broad-spectrum
herbal approach provides benefits that have been proven in published scientific work. Both curcumin and boswellia are time-tested interventions with roots in Ayurvedic medicine.

For more concentrated relief from pain related to exercise or overuse, there is Curamin Extra Strength, with higher levels of both curcumin and boswellia. And for people who have this muscle pain primarily in their back, there is Curamin Low Back Pain, which includes additional ingredients to support cushioning and flexibility.

Regardless of what kind of exertion caused your muscle aches and pains, the Curamin family of products has an answer. A full line of products is available throughout the U.S. in health food stores, independent pharmacies and online at TerryNaturallyVitamins.com.

  • Occasional muscle pain due to exercise or overuse
  • Occasional back muscle pain due to exercise or overuse

Cheryl Myers, RN is an integrative health nurse, author, and expert on natural medicine. She is a nationally-recognized speaker who has been interviewed by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Prevention Magazine. Her many articles have been published in such journals as Journal and Nutrition in Complementary Care, and her research on botanicals has been presented at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the North American Menopause Society. Ms. Myers is the head of Scientific Affairs and Education for EuroPharma, Inc.

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Winter Can Be a Pain!
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