If you were like me and over the Thanksgiving holiday decided to play some football....and you do not play football regularly (that means in years) then today you are probably still really sore.  Legs hurt, back hurts, neck hurts (didn't even play tackle), and coughing is excruciating!

So, here are a few tips if you were a big dummy like me and pushed it a little too hard one day and now you are suffering:

1. Take it Easy - The worst thing you can possible do if your body is in constant spasm is to go back out and do it again.  Seriously, if it hurts to breathe and sit maybe getting together another game is no such a good idea.

2. Stretch it Out - If you have ever felt like I did (defined as it hurts to start walking and to stop walking....and the whole walking phase inbetween) it is recommended that you do som light stretching throughout the day.  Note how I did not say a whole bunch.  Your body can be broken down in many places that need some healing so aggressive stretching will only hurt the tissue that is trying to get back together.  Little short bouts of stretching throughout the day is the best thing to reduce the overall stiffness without further causing problems. 

3. Water and a Balanced Diet - The overall abuse the body has ensued needs the right combination of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, etc.  and oh yeah....water.  A broken down body will stay broken down longer if it doesn't get the right building blocks to put it back together. 

4. Slowly Get Back to It - Walk till it stops hurting....then jog....then lift....then run.  You get the idea.  Let the overall pain and tightness be the guide but don't just sit around.  That is way worse!  Your body again will realize that perhaps it isn't in peak shape anymore and let the brain in on the info.

Now Thanksgiving is about turkey and limping for 5 days.  Good times....