11 Things To Do After Your Next Workout

First off, I've got to admit… I'm a little frustrated.

I've been an athlete since middle school… I played baseball, football, even ran track!

But no one ever told me about this…

What to do after you workout.

Normally, after a workout, I'd just hit the showers or sit & catch my breath.

But it turns out there are a ton of things you can do — to not only protect your body — but also make sure you're getting the results you want.

So without further ado…

Here are 11 things you should be doing after your next workout:

1. Hydrate

Rehydration is essential, especially if you've exercised intensely or broken a sweat. Replenishing your fluid levels improves muscle flexibility, builds strength, and prevents muscle soreness.

2. Eat a healthy snack

Plan to eat a healthy snack or meal within 45 minutes of completing your workout. This will help replenish muscle energy stores and start the recovery process. Eat foods that contain carbohydrates and protein.

3. Do light exercise on rest days

Active recovery may help to prevent lactic acid buildup, remove toxins, and boost circulation. 

4. Don't forget to cool down

Always finish your workout with a cooldown, which allows your heart rate to gradually return to its normal rate. It also helps to stop blood pooling in the lower extremities, which may make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. (This is the one I skipped — yikes!)

5. Prioritize protein

To repair and rebuild muscle, choose meals that contain healthy carbohydrates and high-quality proteins. 

6. Choose carbs wisely

Carbs help your muscles to recover while proteins support muscle growth. But don't eat junk.

6. Try a supplement

You can enrich your diet with a protein shake or supplements. This is where Patriot Power Protein comes in!

7. Eat regular meals

Eat regularly and avoid skipping meals, which may hinder the benefits of your workout by causing muscle loss. 

8. Consider certain foods

To burn fat, select foods that promote weight loss. This includes low-fat dairy products, hot peppers, and whole grains. Protein options include fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Or opt for lean meats such as turkey, pork tenderloin, or chicken breast.

9. Don't forget to stretch (IMPORTANT)

Include a stretching routine after your workout while your muscles are still warm. This helps to elongate muscles, relieve tension, and enhance flexibility. Stretching also helps prevent muscle soreness, relieve tension, and increase your range of motion. 

10. Enjoy a cool shower

Take a cool or cold shower to encourage healing, prevent inflammation, and ease muscular tension. You can even try out an ice bath!

11. Try a home remedy

Other options to alleviate or prevent sore muscles include taking an Epsom salt bath, using a massager like the Rapid Fire Micro Massager, or foam rolling. If you feel tired, experience pain, or have any type of injury, rest completely until you feel better.

Well, this was eye-opening to me. I skipped a lot of these growing up. But I won't anymore! I hope you keep these in mind. And start using them to help with recovering. Even if you don't work out… a lot of these are just great things to do for your health anyway.