Photo by Karl Solano on Pexels
People who work out hard hope that, outside of the gym, they’ll get the rewards from their efforts, which include bigger muscles, more energy, and improved mood.
Yet not all of the effects of a demanding workout are positive. While there can be long-term benefits to pushing your body the extra mile, on a short-term basis, there can be pain and stiffness. And that can be hard to live with, making it more difficult to relax and feel comfortable.
That’s why it’s important to commit to a recovery program that gives your body the support it needs. Below, we’ll run through a few essential recovery tips that should ensure your post-workout days are less painful than ever.
Photo by Victor Freitas on Pexels
Commit to Cooling Down
Most people, especially those who engage in hard workouts, want to optimize the time they spend in the gym. That means spending as much time doing the kinds of activities that help them to reach their fitness goals.
Cooldowns don’t normally come into it. However, that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t. Spending a few minutes cooling down after your workout really can make a big difference to your recovery, helping to get rid of metabolic byproducts, calm down your nervous system, and provide your muscles with fresh blood. All of those things can prevent/reduce muscle soreness and stiffness.
Boost Your Sleep
Sleep is vital for post-workout recovery. After all, it’s then that the real muscle recovery begins. Your body does its best repair work when you’re asleep, helping to reduce inflammation and build muscle. It’s so important that anyone who’s hitting the gym hard but undervaluing sleep is making it much more difficult for their body to be at its best, and unnecessarily so.
The problem is that getting a good night’s sleep can be challenging, especially if you work out later in the day, so having a robust sleep strategy is paramount. Using CBD sleep gummies, like the ones available from CBDistillery, can make it easier to fall and remain asleep, and also relax the muscles, which aids recovery. In addition, creating a sleep-friendly environment and eliminating potential distractions (noise, light) can also help.
Get Your Fill of Protein
Your muscles need protein to recover and repair well. It’s key to getting the most from your workouts. A good, hearty meal in the hour after your workout makes this much more straightforward. There are some quick, easy-to-make, protein-heavy dishes that are both delicious and give your body what it needs. For example, sweet potato and chicken, eggs and potatoes, and salmon and steamed rice.
Listen to Your Body
Finally, remember the importance of listening to your body. There are days when your body will simply need to rest. If you’re feeling tight and sore, then don’t put your muscles through another workout. Instead, either stay on the couch or spend some time in your gym’s spa, if they have one. A sports massage can also be a terrific way to get rid of lactic acid build-up and swelling (and also feel great).
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