This summer, I did something that surprised even me…
I signed up for Ninja Warrior classes with my teenagers. 😂
Some weeks I feel pretty unstoppable.
Other weeks…
Gravity wins.
Either way, I wake up the next morning discovering muscles I didn't even know existed!
Maybe you're not swinging from monkey bars or scaling warped walls like I am, but summer has a funny way of doing the same thing to all of us.
A long hike.
An afternoon of gardening.
Hours chasing grandkids.
A competitive pickleball game.
A weekend of yard work.
And suddenly your body reminds you…
"You're not 12 anymore."
Trust me—my 57-year-old arms have been asking me what in the world I was thinking! 😅
Why Muscle Soreness Shows Up a Day Later
Here's something many people don't realize:
Muscle soreness usually peaks 24 to 48 hours after an unfamiliar activity—not immediately afterward.
That's why you can finish a hike feeling great…
…and then struggle to get out of bed the next morning.
This delayed soreness, often called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), is completely normal after your muscles are challenged in new ways.
The good news?
A little recovery immediately after activity can make a big difference in how you feel tomorrow.
Today's Tip: Make Recovery Part of Your Evening Routine
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until they're already sore before doing something about it.
Instead, treat recovery like brushing your teeth.
Do it before bed.
Not tomorrow morning.
After any active day, spend five minutes caring for the muscles that worked the hardest.
Your future self will thank you.
Essential Oils I Keep on Hand for Muscle Recovery
Young Living has several products I keep stocked because active summers are simply more enjoyable when my body feels supported.
Check your cabinet.
Do you already have any of these?
- Ortho Ease® Massage Oil
- Ortho Sport® Massage Oil
- Aroma Siez® Essential Oil Blend
- PanAway® Essential Oil Blend
- Deep Reliefâ„¢ Roll-On
If you do…
Your muscles are about to be very happy.
PanAway®: My Go-To After Active Days
One product I reach for constantly is PanAway® Essential Oil Blend.
After hiking, gardening, swimming, or Ninja Warrior class, I warm a few drops between my hands (diluted with a carrier oil) and massage it into the muscles that worked the hardest.
Some of my favorite spots include:
- Calves after hiking
- Hamstrings after swimming
- Shoulders after climbing
- The back of my neck after long road trips
The cooling, soothing sensation feels wonderful after a long day of activity.
Pro Tip: PanAway® comes inside the Young Living Premium Starter Kit, so many people already have it without realizing how useful it is.
Deep Reliefâ„¢ Roll-On for On-the-Go Recovery
Another staple in my gym bag is Deep Reliefâ„¢ Roll-On.
I love it because:
- It's portable.
- No messy hands.
- Easy to apply anywhere.
- Great for active lifestyles.
I often use it on:
- Wrists
- Hands
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Tight muscles after workouts
Because it's already in a roll-on bottle, I can apply it even before soreness has fully set in.
Why I Prioritize Recovery
I've learned something over the years:
The goal isn't just to exercise today.
The goal is to keep moving for years to come.
Recovery helps make that possible.
When we care for our bodies after activity, we're much more likely to stay active tomorrow instead of sitting on the couch because everything hurts.
As a mom, grandma, and someone who apparently thinks Ninja Warrior classes are a good idea, that's important to me.
Simple Recovery Tips for Active Summers
Whether you're:
- Hiking
- Playing pickleball
- Gardening
- Swimming
- Traveling
- Chasing grandchildren
- Trying something completely new
Remember these simple habits:
✔ Stretch gently after activity.
✔ Stay hydrated.
✔ Support tired muscles before bed.
✔ Don't wait until soreness has fully arrived.
Small acts of recovery today create stronger tomorrows.
The Bottom Line
Summer is meant for adventure.
Don't let sore muscles keep you on the sidelines.
A few minutes of recovery each evening can help you wake up ready for your next adventure instead of wondering why every muscle in your body is protesting.
I'm planning to keep showing up for Ninja Warrior class.
Gravity may still win sometimes…
…but at least my recovery routine is getting stronger too. 😄
What's the Summer Activity That Always Leaves You Sore?
Is it gardening?
Pickleball?
Long hikes?
Chasing the grandkids?
Or maybe you have your own version of Ninja Warrior. 😄
Tell me in the comments—I'd love to hear what catches up with you the next day!
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