Post-Workout Recovery Done Right

November 25, 2014

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November is at an end, and winter is closing in. This means your metabolism is slowing down and you can’t workout as much as usual. Your power-days become increasingly harder, and you can’t seem to shake off that tired feeling.

But don’t despair, because we have a few tips that will help you fully recover this season and avoid overtraining yourself.

Enough Is Enough

If you can’t focus, fall asleep, or get motivated, the chances are you may be overtrained. After the constant feeling of exhaustion, injuries are likely to follow.

This is where you must take a step back and focus on rest and recovery. Talk to your coach or personal trainer about how to get back on track without injuring yourself.

Some sports don’t have an “off season,” and that can be a real punishment to your body. In case you’ve been working out non-stop for months, try and take a full week off, just for rest. Your body will be thankful.

Don’t Forget To Eat And Sleep

Besides taking a break from you regular training and taking things easy, sleeping is an efficient alternative. Not only do your muscles rest while you sleep, but your “batteries” get energized during this time, making sleep twice as efficient as plain resting.

Some of us tend to neglect their nutrition while being focused on their training. We forget that in order to gain muscle and strength, we must have fuel to work on. Besides that, food is a post-workout necessity.

A 4-to-1 ratio of carbs-to-protein in the meal you take after training is optimal for full body recuperation. Also remember to eat at least 20 minutes after working out, not hours later.