Statins are a group of drugs commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. While these medications are effective in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke, they can also cause muscle aches and weakness.

If you are one of the many people experiencing these symptoms, there are several exercises you can do to relieve your discomfort. Here are ten exercises for relieving muscle aches caused by statins:.

1. Stretching

Stretching is one of the best exercises for relieving muscle pain and stiffness. It can help improve circulation and reduce tension in your muscles. Some good stretches for people with statin-related muscle pain include:.

Hamstring stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Reach forward and try to touch your toes. Hold for 30 seconds and then release.
Quad stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend your right knee and bring your heel towards your buttocks. Hold onto your ankle with your right hand and pull your heel towards your buttocks. Hold for 30 seconds and then release. Repeat on the other side.
Triceps stretch: Raise your left arm above your head. Bend your elbow so your left hand is reaching down toward your right shoulder blade. With your right hand, gently push your left elbow towards your head. Hold for 30 seconds and then release. Repeat on the other side.

2. Walking

Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help improve circulation and reduce muscle pain. Even a short walk around the block can help you feel better.

If you are new to exercise, start with a 10-minute walk and gradually increase the time and distance as your muscles become stronger.

3. Yoga

Yoga is a gentle exercise that can help reduce muscle pain and stiffness. It combines stretching, breathing, and meditation to help you feel more relaxed and less stressed. Some good yoga poses for people with statin-related muscle pain include:.

Downward dog: Start on your hands and knees. Lift your hips up towards the ceiling and straighten your legs. Hold for 30 seconds and then release.
Warrior II: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Step your left foot back about three feet. Turn your left foot out at a 90-degree angle. Bend your right knee so it is directly over your right ankle. Raise your arms so they are parallel to the ground. Hold for 30 seconds and then release. Repeat on the other side.
Pigeon pose: Start on your hands and knees. Bring your left knee up behind your left wrist. Extend your right leg out behind you. Lower your body down to the ground and rest your forearms on the ground. Hold for 30 seconds and then release. Repeat on the other side.

4. Swimming

Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help relieve muscle pain and stiffness. It is also a great way to improve your cardiovascular health.

If you are new to swimming, start with a few laps and gradually increase the distance as your muscles become stronger.

5. Cycling

Cycling is another low-impact exercise that can help relieve muscle pain and stiffness. It is also a great way to improve your cardiovascular health. If you don’t own a bike, you can use a stationary bike at a gym or fitness center.

6. Resistance training

Resistance training is a type of exercise that involves lifting weights or using resistance bands to build strength and muscle mass. It can be a great way to improve your overall fitness and reduce muscle pain and stiffness.

If you are new to resistance training, start with light weights or resistance bands and gradually increase the weight or resistance as your muscles become stronger.

7. Pilates

Pilates is a type of exercise that focuses on strengthening your core muscles, improving flexibility, and reducing muscle pain and stiffness. It combines stretching, breathing, and movement to help you feel more relaxed and less stressed.

Some good Pilates exercises for people with statin-related muscle pain include:.

The hundred: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Lift your head and shoulders off the ground and extend your arms out in front of you. Start pumping your arms up and down, inhaling for 5 pumps and exhaling for 5 pumps. Repeat for 100 pumps.
The plank: Start on your hands and knees. Tuck your toes under and lift your knees off the ground, keeping your body in a straight line from your head to your heels. Hold for 30 seconds and then release.
The roll-up: Lie on your back with your legs straight out in front of you. Raise your arms up towards the ceiling. Slowly roll your upper body up, lifting your arms towards your toes and then rolling back down to the ground. Repeat for 10 repetitions.

8. Tai chi

Tai chi is a gentle exercise that combines slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and meditation. It can help reduce muscle pain and stiffness, improve balance, and reduce stress.

Some good tai chi exercises for people with statin-related muscle pain include:.

Cloud hands: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Turn your left foot out at a 45-degree angle. Bring your right hand up to shoulder height and your left hand down to waist height. Slowly shift your weight onto your left foot and move your hands to the left. Shift your weight back onto your right foot and move your hands to the right. Repeat for 10 repetitions.
Snake creeps down: Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and lower your body down towards the ground. Place your hands on your thighs and then slowly straighten your legs, pressing your hands against your thighs. Repeat for 10 repetitions.
Silk reeling: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Extend your arms out to the sides and begin making circular motions with your arms in opposite directions. Focus on your breath and the sensations in your body as you move. Repeat for 10 repetitions in each direction.

9. Foam rolling

Foam rolling is a type of self-massage that can help reduce muscle pain and stiffness. It involves using a foam roller to apply pressure to specific areas of your body. Some good foam rolling exercises for people with statin-related muscle pain include:.

Quadriceps: Lie face down on the ground with a foam roller under your thighs. Roll up and down from your knees to your hips, focusing on any areas that feel particularly tight or sore.
Hamstrings: Sit on the ground with your legs straight out in front of you and a foam roller under your thighs. Roll up and down from your knees to your buttocks, focusing on any areas that feel particularly tight or sore.
Back: Lie on your back with a foam roller under your upper back. Roll up and down from your mid-back to your shoulders, focusing on any areas that feel particularly tight or sore.

10. Massage

Massage is a great way to relieve muscle pain and stiffness caused by statins. It can help improve circulation, reduce tension, and promote relaxation.

If you can’t afford a professional massage, you can try self-massage techniques using a foam roller or a massage ball.