What to do AFTER your workout

So, most of us probably already consider what to do BEFORE our workout. You probably drink plenty of water, eat an hour or so beforehand, and you probably even warm up for a few minutes before your workout. And then you get your workout in, you give it all you have (right??!) and then what? Do you hit the shower and then go on about your day?

Wait a second!

Try adding in some post-workout rituals to see even more success.

First, make sure you cool down. Alllll the way down. If your heart rate is still up, even a little, keep doing some light work until your heart rate is just about normal. This will help prevent injury, dizziness, and even help that metabolism to keep humming a little while longer.

Second, stretch! Don't skip this part, please! Keep yourself limber and you'll feel better, walk taller, and also help prevent injury. Long, lean muscles don't hurt either, right? Stretch deeply, and hold each stretch for around 30 seconds. Stretch a variety of muscles, even those you don't think you 'worked out'. While you're still a little warm (after cooling down, your muscles are still warm...but definitely stretch BEFORE you hit the showers, before you sit down for a few minutes, etc.)

And finally, make sure you refuel. Your body needs protein to repair the damage you just did. And yes, you did damage your muscles a little...that's how you build muscle, by breaking it down and rebuilding. So rebuild! Grab a high quality protein shake or a little lean protein such as a 3 bean salad, some skinless chicken breast on a salad, etc. Drink more water, too!

So be kind to yourself, recover correctly after your workout, it'll only take a few more minutes and I think you'll like how you feel!

What are your post-workout rituals like?