Post Workout Recovery

Early on in the year most gyms and other fitness facilities are thronged by clients with new year resolutions. Some of these clients aspire to achieve their goals in the shortest time possible, thinking it's easy. However most of them are faced with unbearable muscle pain and fatigue they don't know how to handle. 

Here are a few tips to help you recover:

Rest

After a serious workout there is usually cellular and immune system damage. It is important to take at least a day or two (1-2 days) to rest and recover from these shocks. 

You don't have to push yourself so hard when soreness is severe all in the name of "no pain no gain", these can easily lead to over training which has severe consequences. 

As you take you rest ensure you stretch your body to get rid of the fatigue. If you can get light massage then go for it as this helps the body relax and reduce muscle soreness. 

One important thing to is that productive recovery is far better than time based recovery.

Diet

It is important to eat healthy after a workout.Before exercising it is important to take foods rich in lean protein at least 2 hours before a workout, especially if you plan to perform a serious workout. You can grab a snack or foods rich in high quality proteins and fatty acids like eggs & avocados respectively that digest fast and help in muscle repair. During stressful workouts the body is depreciated of potassium, therefore, it is good practise to include potassium rich foods like ripe bananas immediately after workout. 

If you are trying to reduce weight, starving will not help. Eat healthy while watching your portions will help you get you desired body compared to ripping your body apart in the gym.

Sleep

While taking your naps the body produces growth hormones which repair the damaged tissues after a workout. it is important that during these periods you take the recommended 8 hours sleep to allow you body to recover.