Which Is Better

When you’re sore, getting a massage or letting it rest?

BOOK A RUBDOWN. It’s good for your muscles and may reduce soreness, says Mark Tarnopolsky, M.D., director of the neuromuscular and neurometabolic clinic at McMaster University Medical Center. “Muscles contain pressure sensors that respond to stimulation. A session as short as 10 minutes can decrease inflammation and rev up the growth of mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells,” he explains. The pressure won’t do damage (it’s a myth that massaging sore muscles can cause internal bleeding), but it may feel slightly uncomfortable, especially at first. Make an appointment with a pro for the day after a big race—if you’re really tender, request “gentle pressure” to relieve pain and speed recovery. To rebound after your regular workouts, invest in a foam roller, which Dr. Tarnopolsky says can mimic the beneficial effects of massage.

WHICH IS WORSE... A PIÑA COLADA or a MARGARITA?

WATCH OUT FOR MARGARITAS. Both drinks can pack more than 400 calories— but while piña coladas contain only rum, margaritas have tequila plus triple sec, which can mean an extra 2 to 3 ounces of high-calorie alcohol per drink, says Katie Cavuto, R.D., a dietitian and culinary nutritionist in Philadelphia. Also, restaurant margaritas tend to be bigger, saltier and even more sugary than piña coladas, thanks to the premixed limeade. These could trigger your craving for another round. The coconut cream in the piña colada does have fat, but Cavuto says it can make this splurge more filling. Lighten up either cocktail by using ingredients with no added sugar.