These 6 practices can make or break your workout results….
Recovery Drink
During an intense workout your body can lose a surprising amount of water and nutrients. Replacing these nutrients can help decrease muscle soreness, increase recovery time and increase muscle growth. For light to moderate exercises water is usually good enough or something a little simpler such as XXXXX would work well.
Be careful with after workout drinks and snacks because you can accidentally consume too many calories if you are not careful. Treat this as fuel to aid your body rather than a ‘reward’ for working out.
Stretching
Tight muscles can hamper your performance and increase the risk of injuries. After your workout you are nice and warm and it is an ideal time to do some basic stretches to increase flexibility and reduce soreness.
I find my yoga mat and foam roller to be essential for my stretching routine but, in reality, all you really need is some space. I use my yoga mat because it provides a nice, non slip surface and keeps my sweaty body off the carpet in my house.
A foam roller isn’t essential but once you’ve used one you’ll never go back. It really helps deepen stretches, loosen tight muscles and tissue, and feels great on sore muscles.
Foam Roller and Book
Back Buddy Link to review on site
Adequate Sleep
Stress Reduction
Listen to your body
This one is hard for me to do but if you want to prevent injuries you have to listen to your body and be willing to decrease your intensity or even take a rest day if your body is hurting. Nothing will derail your progress like an injury so listen closely to what your body is saying.
Contrast Showers
I’ll admit that this is not my favorite – i hate being cold!! However, on the occasions I work up the courage to try this it feels wonderful. The contrast between hot and cold really gets the blood moving and helps flush out toxins from your tissues.
The process is simple. Enjoy a nice hot shower for 2 minutes and then turn your water to the coldest setting you can stand for one minute. Repeat this process 3-4 times. Trust me, this will wake you up and energize you.