You know that exercise is one of the most important elements of maintaining a happy and healthy life. The recommended 150 minutes of moderate-aerobic activity with two days focused on muscle-strengthening exercises helps you maintain a wholesome lifestyle while paying close attention to your overall wellness. To perform at your best, getting enough sleep and resting before physical activity is critical. But did you know that post-workout recovery is just as important?
Allowing your muscles to rest and refueling your body after exercise gives you strength needed to continue an active lifestyle.
Letting Your Muscles Recover
If you think exercising every day of the week is more important than taking one day off to relax, think again. According to lifestyle blog Very Well Fit, your muscles need time to rest to repair, rebuild and strengthen! Essentially, exercise "destroys" your muscles. It breaks down the tissues so that they will rebuild and grow. In order for this to happen, however, you need to give your muscles a break. Otherwise, you'll just continue breaking down the tissues, giving them no chance to rebuild. Off days give your body a break to replenish and your tissues time to repair before your next workout.
What happens when you overtrain? For starters, neglecting to rest could increase your risk for injury. It can also lead to decreased sports performance, increased stress and possibly depression.
While dedicating enough time to quality sleep every night is critical, your body needs more rest and nurturing than that for post-workout recovery. First, schedule one to two days every week for off days. Instead of going to the gym, try getting a massage! Not only will it help you relax, but it'll loosen up your muscles and can even remove lactic acid buildup, which allows nutrients to stream through your body efficiently. And don't forget to hydrate properly! Drink plenty of water during the day and pay close attention to the foods you eat.
Post-Workout Nutrition
After exercising and burning all of those calories, refueling your body is critical. A mix of complex carbohydrates and protein can help your muscles recover and give your body the boost of energy you might've lost during your workout.
Many believe a diet loaded with animal-based proteins - such as eggs, dairy and meat - is the only way to gain the essential protein necessary after exercise. This is untrue! There are plenty of wholesome, organic plant-based options that contain the complex carbs and protein that can help you relax and repair after a workout.
Besides the vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains, you can try Hallelujah Diet Essential Protein Powder. Made of a combination of organic peas, rice and raw seeds, this protein powder is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and prebiotic fibers for healthy post-workout recovery. Did we mention our organic raw protein powder is gluten free, vegan, non-GMO and contains no soy? In flavors like vanilla, chocolate and tropical, there's a delicious blend for everyone. Try some today!
"Neglecting to rest could increase your risk for injury."
