Post Workout Recovery Tips

Answer 1

Proper rest and recovery following a workout can have as big an impact on your success as the actual workout itself. Recovery is essential in allowing muscles to and tissue to rebuild and repair after strenuous exercise. Your body will give you signs to let you know what kind of rest and recuperation it needs, but you must be willing to listen and act upon those signs.

Cooling down after a workout is one of the most basic, yet most fundamental ways to allow your body to properly recover after a workout. As the name suggests, it is best to slow down, but not stop completely after you've finished your training. A short period of low intensity movement will help your muscles get rid of some lactic acid, which will help to reduce the amount of muscle stiffness you may experience.

Refueling your body should be another key component in your recovery routine. During exercise, you are depleting your body's stored energy and fluids, and for proper recovery, you will need to replenish both of these. While water should be replaced during the workout, it is necessary to drink plenty of water after you have finished as well. This will help the transfer of nutrients and improve all bodily functions. A meal rich in protein and complex carbohydrates should be consumed within sixty minutes of the end of the workout.

Getting a good night's sleep is one of the most commonly ignored steps in the recovery process, but it easily ranks amongst the most beneficial and important. While sleeping, your body is undergoing amazing transformations, including the production of Growth Hormone, which is instrumental in tissue repair and growth. The amount of sleep necessary will depend upon the individual, but 6 to 8 hours is generally the range that has proven to be effective for most.

Make sure you pay attention to the signs that your body is sending to you. If you feel extremely tired or worn down after a workout, you may need an extra day of rest before going back at it again. However, if you feel great the next day, don't be afraid to push yourself. Each person is unique and needs to custom fit their workout and their recovery routine to match their individual needs.