Getting regular exercise is incredibly important to maintaining good health, and the maxim is practically gospel in some circles. In some ways, it is more important than yo-yo dieting and other unhealthy habits, since exercise will ensure that you stay nimble and energetic regardless of your body weight or age. However, people tend to neglect a process that is just as important as exercising: the cool down. There are a few steps you need to take in order to ensure that your body recovers from the workout, regardless of how strenuous it was. Here are a few recommendations on things to do after you’ve had a chance to get some exercise.
Hydrate
This seems so basic, but the number of people who discount drinking water before and after workouts is surprising. Your body loses a lot of water when you exercise, and you will want to replenish your body’s water supply to help increase muscle flexibility and strength. In addition, drinking water helps to alleviate muscle soreness. Sports drinks are highly overrated. You do not need to imbibe extra calories or sugar in the form of an expensive sports drink. A bottle of water is all your body needs to recover. Medical professionals recommend drinking at least 3 cups of water after every workout to give your body the hydration it needs.
Relax
After a workout, especially one that works all of the major muscle groups, leaving you sore and feeling out of sorts, it’s important to properly relax and give yourself a chance to cool down. Stretch, lie down, and perhaps look into a massage if you are really feeling the burn. There are many different kinds of massages out there, but taking the time in choosing a percussion massager will undoubtedly pay you back in dividends later. This specific type of massage helps condition muscles on a deeper level. As a result, it leaves you relaxed and alleviates much of your workout’s soreness.
Take a Cold Shower
There is a common misconception that only those who take cold showers are somehow deranged or psychopaths in the making. While it’s true that it may be hard for most people to enjoy taking a cold shower, it is highly recommended if you need to recover after an intense workout session. A cooler water temperature helps to fasten the healing process for your body, and will also decrease muscle inflammation after the workout. Getting the inflammation down also helps lower the chances that your muscles will be sore the next day.
Grab a Snack
You may be starving after a workout. This is a completely normal situation though you should definitely have a snack after you exercise. Still, ensure that it isn’t something high in sugars or fatty since that will bring your energy levels down, or even leave you feeling sick. A banana, smoothie, yogurt cub, or peanut butter sandwich will usually do the trick.
Managing to fit in a workout during a hectic day often feels like a huge win, while the cool-down process or any form of self-care afterward feels like a waste of time. However, one of the best things you can do for your body is to take the time to relax, find some nourishment, and cool down so that you’re better prepared for the rest of your day.