If you are going to spend the time and effort working out, you are also going to want to harness the benefits of this exercise. This means that you need to be intentional about how you treat your body after a hard workout. Here are five things that you should do after an intense workout to speed recovery and get the most out of your sweat session.
Rehydrate
It does not take a massive amount of sweat to lead to dehydration. One of the first things that you should do after a tough workout is to rehydrate. Being diligent about replenishing your fluid stores will boost your muscle flexibility while also helping to mitigate muscle soreness.
The amount of water that you should drink after your workout largely depends on the amount of sweat that you lost. While plain water is always a great choice, other good options include coconut water or green tea. Some athletes swear by a big glass of chocolate milk after a hard workout because of the extra dose of protein it delivers. Low-sugar sports drinks are also great choices because of the potassium and sodium content that work to prevent cramping and soreness.
Nosh on a Healthy Snack
There is a good chance that you are going to be hungry when you finish a hard workout. Do not negate all of your efforts by eating something that is not good for your body. Instead, plan to eat a healthy snack or a light meal within 30 to 45 minutes of finishing your exercise session. The right food choices will replenish the lost energy stores and jumpstart the recovery process.
The best choice is to eat a balance of carbohydrates and protein. The protein will work to promote faster recovery by rebuilding torn muscles. The carbs will aid in restoring the critical glycogen levels so that your body has the accessible energy that it needs to function at optimal performance.
Lean on Muslce Relief Products
Workout enthusiasts are increasingly turning to CBD products as a way to delay the onset of muscle soreness. CBD has been shown to reduce the inflammation that often accompanies a hard workout. As an anti-inflammatory, CBD could help you to gain back mobility in your muscles faster.
As a bonus, the use of a pure CBD tincture can also help to promote a better night of sleep. This rest will help you to perform even better the next day. You cannot expect to perform at your best if you are tired heading into your workout. Some people also report that CBD taken before a workout helps to alleviate anxiety, helping them to be more focused during the exercise session.
Stretch Your Muscles
Most everyone knows that it is a good idea to include an ample stretching routine in your post-workout routine. This should be performed when your muscles are still warm. The stretches will boost your flexibility and relieve tension.
The right stretching exercises will serve as a vehicle to prevent muscle soreness before it even gets the chance to set in. While you do not need to spend an excessive amount of time stretching, the few minutes that you spend engaging in this activity will go a long way in ensuring that your body is ready to go the next time that you lace up your sneakers.
Take a Cool Shower or an Ice Bath
It is understandable if you want to jump in a cool shower after a hot workout. The good news is that this move is actually good for you. The cool water will support muscle healing and prevent inflammation. The coolness will also help to regulate your body temperature.
If you want to kick it up a notch, consider taking an ice bath instead. This sudden cold rush will speed up the process of lactic acid leaving the body. Long-distance runners often use an ice bath to promote faster muscle recovery so that they can hit the pavement sooner. If your muscles are still in pain after trying these techniques, you may have success with homeopathic medicine for muscle relief and soreness.
These five ideas will help you to make the most out of your time in the gym. Do not let your hard work go to waste. Practice these ideas so that you maximize your effort.
