5 things you should be doing after a workout

At the end of a workout, there’s a tendency to want to head for the showers and rush back to the pressing issues of the day. But how you transition via a brief recovery period will determine how well your body repairs itself and responds in the coming days. . Use this simple checklist to kickstart your body’s recovery process—and get the most out of each workout.

1. Reflect     

It’s important to recognize what you’ve accomplished with your training and how it contributes to your long-term vision, not just for your physical well-being and athletic pursuits but how such commitment is fueling your success. You’ll feel great in the short-term regardless, but it’s important to reflect on how you feel and connect it back to your goals. That reinforces the behaviors you’ve chosen and is something people don’t do nearly enough.

2. Track     

There’s no shortage of gadgets and smart phone apps to log training and measure progress. It can be a simple spreadsheet or even paper. The important thing is to track your workouts, not only to give yourself a pat on the back, but also to have a reference point for the following workout, or to review months later.

3. Stretch    

Active-isolated stretching is most effective after a workout when the muscles are warm. This can range from a full routine to the three or four stretches that address any mobility issues you might have. You can also do some reflection while you stretch. What worked and what could you do better during the next training session?

4. Refuel  

To refuel you body after a workout, consume a mixture of carbohydrates and protein immediately afterward, preferably within 10 minutes of training. At this point, your cells are wide open and screaming for nutrients, and by drinking a shake or another balanced carb/protein small meal, you expedite the recovery process and maximize lean muscle growth.

5. Cool down

If you have access to a 55-degree “cold plunge” tub, spending 1 to 3 minutes in it is a great way to decrease post-workout inflammation. Alternating between a cold plunge and a hot tub (three to five minutes) stimulates bloodflow and muscle recovery with hardly an effort. If you don’t have access to a hot tub or a cold plunge, you can get the same effect in the shower by switching between hot and cold settings.
 

Tips and Advice courtesy of Core Performance