What To Do Post Workout
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What To Do Post Workout

what to do post workout

What to do post workout. I was at the gym with a friend recently and I noticed that she spent much of her time waiting for me, while I went through a whole routine before leaving. This got me thinking and I remembered that when I was dancing on a more serious level, I rarely ran out of the studio immediately following a class. Instead, there where a number of things that I did almost religiously after a tough workout.

what to do post workout

WHAT TO DO POST WORKOUT

Pull out the foam roller. Myofascial release can be quite painful, but I promise that it’s worth it, especially after a tough workout. Spend a few minutes rolling out those sore muscles before you do your stretches.

Stretch. This means a deep stretching session, no bouncing and make sure that you are breathing and taking your time. Use props like a yoga belt if you need to.  Of course, you should ease up if you feel pain, but a little bit of discomfort is not necessarily bad.

Cool down. Just like a warm up is critical to a good workout, so is a cool down. I cringe every time I see someone hop off a treadmill from a big run without taking a few minutes to walk first.  This applies to whatever activity you are doing.  Allowing 5-10 minutes for a cool down lets your breathing and heart rate return to normal and your body temperature to gradually cool. In addition, it helps to prevent blood pooling in your lower extremities (which can cause you to become light headed). By taking those few minutes to cool down, you are also helping to flush out a build up of lactic acid. This is important, because it speeds up recovery and you will be better prepared for your next workout session.

Keep warm. Sometimes I think that I must look very strange when I start layering on the clothing after a good sweat. You will rarely see me without a hoodie or a hat and scarf. The idea is to keep the muscles as warm as possible. Not only do I wear extra layers during my cool down, but after leaving the gym as well.

Rehydrate. While you work out, your body’s natural cooling mechanism kicks in and you begin to sweat. Lose too much water and you’ll find yourself becoming dehydrated. This means, for example, that your heart has to work harder during a run. Don’t wait until you are thirsty and always have water after a long workout as it helps keep your digestive system working smoothly, keeps your joints lubricated and helps to regulate your body temperature.

Eat. I’m not always hungry after a workout, but it’s still important to remember to replenish lost nutrients. Depending on your fitness goals, this could mean a protein shake or simply a light healthy meal comprised of protein, carbohydrates and fat.

what to do post workout

We all work out with specific goals in mind. Whether you are looking to improve your physique or simply to feel better, having a post workout routine will help speed up your recovery, increase flexibility, improve your range of motion and ease soreness. All crucial factors to get you back to your next workout.

 

What is your post workout routine?

 

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12 Comments

  1. These are great tips! I am so guilty of not “staying warm” after a work out and just hangin out until I am cooled off.
    Also, I am totally loving this series you’ve been doing, its so informative and inspiring. I feel like I need that push so badly lately to keep going with any routine exercise. Thank you thank you!

    1. Yay!!! Thanks so much, I really appreciate that. Fitness has been such a huge part of my life so I decided to include it. I’m always open to suggestions.
      xo

  2. Great post and perfect tips!!! Tnx for sharing!
    Happy Easter doll!
    xo Paola
    Expressyourself
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    1. Thanks so much. Happy Easter!
      xo

  3. Great tips Caroline! I always strech after my pilates sesion and do the same as you say never see me with no hoodie or bennie, as well I take with me my water to keep hydrated all the time.
    A healthy meal is very important after a work out.
    Great post dear!
    Have a wonderful week.♥

    1. Thanks so much! ,I always think that I must look so silly after my workouts. Have a wonderful week!
      xo

  4. Great tips! I need to do better about cooling down and stretching. I drink a lot of water to the point that I cant eat for hours after working out!

    1. So awesome that you are drinking water. Try adding some stretches and you’ll see how much better you feel and how much faster your muscles will recover.
      xo

  5. Awesome tips! I usually exercise before I eat dinner, or lunch, so that when I get home, I feel a little hungry! 🙂

    1. I definitely have a hard time exercising after a meal so I always go before a meal too!
      xo

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