Venus Williams Swears by Natural Pain Relief Creams to Soothe Sore Muscles and Achy Joints
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If anyone understands the importance of recovery, it’s Venus Williams. The 40-year-old tennis champion is constantly moving, whether she’s hitting the gym, sharing a new #CoachVenus workout on Instagram, or doing what she does best on the court.
“It’s my job to be in shape so my day consists of a lot of exercise,” Williams tells Prevention. “In between all that, I have to juggle calls with my teams at my activewear and lifestyle brand EleVen by Venus Williams or my design firm V Starr. All in a day’s work!”
Even with her hectic schedule, she has to prioritize down time as an athlete. “Being able to recover quickly is such an important part of my job,” Williams explains. “In tennis, you’re playing back-to-back matches—sometimes six matches in one week. You don’t get to sit on the bench or have someone sub in. It’s all you every day.”
Here’s exactly how Williams prioritizes recovery and self-care for peak performance.
She swears by natural pain relief products.
As a result of pushing her body “to the limit,” Williams gives her muscles and joints extra love. “How I take care of my body when I’m not playing has a direct effect on my performance when I am on the court,” she says.
Her secret? She uses Asutra’s natural pain relief products to boost her recovery. (Williams is part-owner and chief brand officer of Asutra.) The line contains magnesium, an essential and abundant mineral in the body that plays a key role in muscle contraction.
“I use their new Relieve Your Pain Magnesium and Menthol Lotion and it does just what it says; it relieves my pain after a tough workout or match,” Williams says. The vegan, paraben-free formula packs menthol and magnesium to ease aches, as well as vitamin E, shea butter, and almond oil to hydrate and nourish the skin.
Williams believes in the power of these products so much “because they actually worked,” she says. She started out as a fan, but quickly got involved with the brand. “I love that Asutra has always been about accessibility and diversity. You see this with the product price points and all the brand imagery, and you really feel and see this when you meet the team.”
Sleep is a huge priority.
To ensure the products work efficiently, Williams also prioritizes getting enough shuteye, even when it feels a bit impossible. “When I’m competing, I’m often jumping between time zones so it can be a struggle to get a decent night’s sleep,” she says.
She calls Asutra’s Mist Your Mood lavender and chamomile spray her “secret weapon” when she needs to wind down after a long day—that’s why she always travels with it. “I spray it on my face and my pillow no matter where I am before I go to sleep and it has made the biggest difference in getting the rest I need,” she says.
Eating a nutrient-rich diet is key.
Williams was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome in 2011, an autoimmune disease that can impact various parts of the body, including the joints, and cause dry eyes and mouth. In a past interview with Prevention, she said her symptoms got so bad prior to her diagnosis that she had to take a break from pro tennis.
While it has come with a slew of challenges, like extreme fatigue and shortness of breath, Williams has learned how to manage her condition. “Going vegan helped a lot, but it was a big change in my lifestyle and can be especially challenging as I am always traveling and eating on the go,” she explains. “I really prioritize taking care of my body and being mindful of what I put in it so I can be the best possible version of myself when I step out on the court.”
She makes time to pamper herself, too.
“Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s important!” Williams says. To give her skin some TLC, she’s also a huge fan of Asutra’s anti-aging skin serums. The brand’s popular trio set includes a hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate, vitamin C serum to brighten, and retinol serum to help smooth fine lines. “The Rose Body Oil smells so incredible too—it makes me feel happy and relaxed,” she says.
Above all, Williams stresses that giving your mind and body a break will make you happier and healthier in the long-run. “Especially now during such unprecedented and uncertain times, making time to take care of yourself is critical,” she says. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of everything—and everyone—else in your life.”
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