Magnesium, an important mineral for all sorts of bodily functions, is responsible for keeping our energy levels high as well as making sure protein is processed efficiently.

There is also a strong correlation between magnesium and muscle performance, making it a favorite of athletes and those who do physical labor for a living.

But how exactly does this miracle mineral function in our bodies during exercise and how can it benefit our muscles in general? Read on to find out.

How Does Magnesium Affect Fitness Performance?

Magnesium is important to muscle performance in several ways. For one, it increases a person's energy level.

It also affects how protein is processed by the body, making sure that muscles get the "fuel" they need for peak performance.

Magnesium also plays a vital role in the transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, a process that is essential for muscle contraction which contributes to muscle growth.

Additionally, strenuous exercise may quickly deplete a person's magnesium stores, making increased magnesium even more important for athletes and health-conscious individuals, alike.

Why is Magnesium Important for Muscle Health?

Magnesium plays a larger role in muscle health than you might think.

The mineral increases the body's oxygen intake, which is essential for circulation and good cell development.

It also helps the body process proteins efficiently, thus making an increase in muscle mass easier to achieve.

Is Magnesium Used for a Specific Function During Exercise?

Magnesium is responsible for hundreds of bodily functions, so the mineral doesn't necessarily help you perform a specific task at a particular moment.

But when a person exercises, they not only use more magnesium but lose greater amounts via sweat and urine production.

That means it’s crucial for active individuals to intake adequate magnesium. Even marginally low levels of this mineral can adversely affect overall performance.

In addition to supporting muscle development and high energy levels, magnesium is important for producing serotonin, the hormone necessary for keeping stress at bay, preventing mood swings and ensuring a restful and uninterrupted night's sleep – all important factors for good health.

Magnesium is also one of the electrolytes necessary for maintaining proper hydration.

That means a magnesium supplement and/or a diet rich in kale, flaxseed, seaweed, nuts and brown rice can be more beneficial instead of guzzling a sports drink with added electrolytes.

How Can You Use Magnesium to Recover From Sore Muscles?

Experiencing sore muscles is short of enjoyable. While several mineral deficiencies can cause cramps and painful muscles after exercising, a lack of magnesium may still be the cause of your post-workout pain.

Since magnesium directs blood to the muscles efficiently and helps to remove lactic acid, it supports muscle recovery by alleviating soreness. Magnesium is also essential to muscle relaxation and allows potassium to move back into your cells to keep your muscles from tensing.

Because adequate magnesium isn't always easy to get with modern diets, a supplement (under your physician’s discretion) may be beneficial. The type of magnesium supplement you take (oral or topical) is important, but not so much as making sure to meet the daily recommended amount of 400 mg.

If you prefer an oral supplement, consider our pharmaceutical grade Magnesium Chloride USP. Or if you’d rather use a topical form of magnesium, our Magnesium Oil Spray, Bath Flakes and Epsom Salt would be great options.

Simply place your order and be ready to say goodbye to muscle pain.  

Related Posts:

• Should You Use Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) or Magnesium Chloride to Ease Pain?
• Fighting and Preventing Chronic Conditions With Magnesium
• Got Arthritis? You Should Add Magnesium to Your Diet