1. Cool down to reduce your heart rate at a steady pace
By cooling down after a workout, instead of heading straight for the door, you will help prevent blood from pooling in your veins. Concentrate on the area of your body you were working, for instance, on ‘leg day’ perhaps finish with a five minute walk on the treadmill.
2. Drink water to replenish your fluid levels
Hydration is important at any time, but even more so following exercise as you will have lost additional fluids through sweat. It’s no good simply drinking once you feel thirsty, as by this stage your body is already dehydrated. Correct water levels will not only aid muscle recovery, but will also help to regulate body temperature.
Stay clear of caffeinated beverages, such as tea, coffee, and energy drinks, as caffeine is a diuretic which encourages loss of fluid through urine.
3. Stretch to prevent your muscles from shrinking
Following your cool down workout, stretch the muscles you exercised as they will otherwise contract and shrink. A decent stretch routine will also encourage the flow of blood around the body, and relax your nervous system following on from an intense training session.
For an effective stretching regime, you need to find a happy medium between comfort and discomfort. Stretching too hard can cause unnecessary damage, whereas stretching too little is relatively pointless.
4. Eat protein and carbohydrates to repair and re-energise your body
Refuelling the body is of vital importance following a workout. Not only will you have burnt calories, but your muscles will have torn and it is the repairing of these tears that prompts muscle growth. But your body needs food, and in particular protein, in order to achieve this!
5. Wear compression clothing to aid muscle recovery
Compression clothing can help to improve blood circulation, which again will ensure fundamental nutrients arrive in a timely fashion to your damaged muscles. It just so happens that this style of fitted garment will also help to show off your nice toned body, and as any fitness enthusiast knows, you always look your best following an intense workout. At the same, you could always wear your favourite Be An Athlete T-shirt in a size smaller than normal.
Know any other great post workout tips? Let us know in the comment box below! Naturally, we’ve saved our best one until last. If you really want to look great leaving the gym, slip into our ultra comfortable, luxury Be An Athlete vests and shorts from the new Pastel Collection.
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