You’ve been putting hours in at the gym, showing up on the mat, hitting the trails. You’re sleeping like a baby, your endorphins are through the roof, but while your mental state is damn near soaring from that delicious trainers’ high, physically you’re feeling … sore. Here’s the deal: Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just getting started, if you’re physically exerting yourself in new and challenging ways, your muscles are going to respond. But keep in mind, you have to feel the burn before you feel the benefits. Luckily, stocking up on things like salt soak bags and making your own DIY treatments at home can help ease the tenderness and encourage you to push through the pain.
Among the countless self-care rituals peppering your social media feeds, we’re convinced salt soaks are being vastly underrated. Bath salts serve various purposes and offer a wide range of benefits, from soothing muscle aches to treating athlete’s foot, softening dry, cracked skin, reducing feelings of anxiety, foot odor, lowering blood pressure, aiding in the healing of body piercings and more.
Salt baths and soaks are also easy to assemble: All you have to do is add a few scoops to a warm bath, or mix a teaspoon of salt with hot water to create a paste. And because a little goes a long way, it’s worth investing in these large salt soak bags for a long-lasting supply of relief.