What do you normally do after working out? Do you take a shower and crash? Or do you keep making that workout work for you long after you've built up a sweat? What your post-workout recovery looks like makes a big difference in the results you'll see overall.

What Is Post-Workout Recovery?

Post workout recovery is about giving your body the tools it needs to recover from your workout. This includes proper nutrition, plenty of rest, drinking enough water, getting enough vitamin D, and a good night's sleep. If you're weight training, you also need to remember that the process tears the muscle tissue so that it can grow larger and stronger. You need rest to allow these tears to repair themselves.

Why Is Recovery After Working Out Important?

Not taking the time to recover can actually do your body more harm than good. People who feel the need to workout each and every day can end up causing stress fractures, muscle strains, joint pain, and overuse injuries. Workout recovery allows your body to rest. Your body needs rest to recover.

What Are the Ways to Recover After Working Out?

There are a number of things you need to do to help your body recover after workouts. One of the most important things you can do is to schedule your workouts so that you have rest days. You also want to eat high-protein foods throughout your day, not just after a workout. Protein helps muscles restore and regain strength. Some workout professionals suggest drinking chocolate milk after a workout because of the protein, vitamin D, and glycogen – all of which are needed for muscle recovery. You could always try YourSuper's Chocolate Lover powder and mix it with unsweetened Vanilla Coconut Milk. But their recipe for a Chocolate Banana Milkshake is also delish. Filling your diet with fruits and vegetables will also help with oxidative stress due to the high level of antioxidants (Daily Harvest is amaze for this!) Include as many superfoods in your diet as you can. (Again, I personally love YourSuper.) Of course, you can’t forget water. You must drink enough water, or you risk becoming dehydrated. When working out, opt for a water that contains electrolytes. The most important thing is that you're getting plenty of rest. This includes making sure you get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. You've made the commitment to a healthier lifestyle, now take it one step further and do what's best for your body, improve your nutrition and schedule days of rest. Your body not only needs attention immediately after a workout, but the day after as well. Give your body the chance to recover so that you can continue to work towards your goals, rather than injuring yourself. Want to add anything? Leave a comment! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Or check out our natural bath and body line!