Training & Nutrition - Hot bath for tight muscles?

All of a sudden (started a few weeks ago) my legs are very stiff, especially the backs on them (hamstrings maybe). They just feel very tight (and sore). No new exercises, although a few more small hills than usual and I'm not used to hills. Will a warm bath help loosen them up or make them worse?

give it some time. You are stressing the muscle and it is trying to heal itself. Probably a bit of protein might help do the trick.

I tried walking with long steps.
Hot baths helped also.
But the walking was best for me.

actually an ice cold bath should ease swelling and pain. it does for me and the legs always feel refershed the next day. try it, you will love it. later.

Protein won't help. This is such a horrible misconception that everybody seems to have. Protein doesn't build more muscle mass, nor does it help aching muscles. Working out does the former, and stretching/massaging does the latter.

I can't believe nobody recommended stretching your muscles. Stretch. Take a hot bath, then a cold bath. If you have a heating pad, alternate 15 minutes hot, 15 minutes cold.

Thanks everybody. A cold bath doesn't sound too inviting, but I'll give it a try. Stretching, too.

Stretching with a tennis ball under your arch works well. Don't overdo it though. And a older ball works better - less stiff I think. And the hot cold thing is definitely the way to go.

And if you don't want an ice cold bath, try ice packs and a hot bath alternating.

Just don't stretch after the cold bath. Only stretch when warm.

Yea, forgot that. I also would not suggest going form hot and cold immediately right after one another. If you are a dude, testicular torsion could happen, probably extremely rare though.

Thanks everybody. A cold bath doesn't sound too inviting, but I'll give it a try. Stretching, too.


its not, but it works. trust me. later.

All of a sudden (started a few weeks ago) my legs are very stiff, especially the backs on them (hamstrings maybe). They just feel very tight (and sore). No new exercises, although a few more small hills than usual and I'm not used to hills. Will a warm bath help loosen them up or make them worse?

I find that the best thing to do is to get your legs warmed up with a bit of exercise and then stretch.

I find that having a small Asian girl walk all over me and then a nice steam really helps loosen my muscles, but hey, we all have our different methods.

Will a warm bath help loosen them up or make them worse? To alleviate muscle discomfort, one needs to know what is causing the pain. However, if a warm bath feels good, then do it, there's no harm in it.

Suggesting a cold bath, without knowing what the problem is - that's just stupid.

Massage can work wonders too when done by a professional LMT.

Would Epsom Salt in the hot bath offer any benefit?

Warm bath to relax tight muscles. Stretch in the bath. Using Epsom salts will always be good due to osmosis, the salt migrating from an area of greater concentration to an area of lesser concentration will bring the h2o with it.