Are Sore Muscles Cramping Your Style?

Here are some quick fixes to get you working out pain free:

• Stay hydrated- this will flush muscles of any lactic acid buildup (the root cause of evil soreness).
• Stretch, stretch, stretch. Then stretch some more. Short on time? Start your workout with an easy 5-minute routine.
• Go bananas- potassium helps balance the body's fluids and heal muscles more quickly (bonus: the carbs keep you fueled).
• Give it the cold shower- taking an arctic dip immediately after a workout will help decrease muscular inflammation.
• Don't be afraid to work it- a low intensity, light cardio workout for 20 to 40 minutes will get blood flowing, which combats soreness.

Make Room For Your Workout Time

• Do you have a calendar for deadlines and events? Pencil in your workouts and cross them out when completed. Seeing them in writing makes you feel more committed.
• Find a gym close to the office or home. When you're rushed, getting there and back won't feel like a big ordeal.
• Invite a friend to join your or sign up for a class. When there are other people who expect you, it's harder to back out.
• Stock up on exercise DVDs. If you don't have time for the gym, you can at least get a great at-home workout.
• If you have to miss exercise time, commit to do office mini-workouts to make up the difference. Forgo the elevator, do laps around the floors, or walk the last leg of your commute home.