Post-Workout Essentials

Change Out of Sweaty Clothes After a Workout

Always pack clean, dry change of clothes, including under clothing. Shower if you can, but if time doesn’t allow for it, just change into your dry outfit. This is essential to avoid yeast infection or body acne. This also avoids getting sick when walking out in the cold.

Always Do Your Cool Down

A good cool-down can really help your body recover from any level of workout. Immediately after your workout is the ideal time to start working on improving flexibility. A proper cool down is an essential part of your workout.

Ice instead of Heating

It feels great to get into a sauna or steam room after an intense exercise session, but the thermic stress that you put on your body is not necessarily good for you. During your workout, your body has to work overtime to keep you cool. Adding in extra heat post-workout may stress out your body. Most athletes use ice after a workout, or have a cold shower, to help with the cooling down process.

Take Care of Your Skin

Avoid touching your face during exercise and wash your face and hands thoroughly before leaving the gym even if you heading straight home into the shower, you can spread germs and increase breakouts by not washing your hands.

Hydrate Well

When you exercise, especially in a hot climate, your body sweats in order to effectively cool down your body temperature. Always hydrate after your workout to avoid dehydration and fatigue. As you finish your workout, be sure to start sipping an electrolyte-balanced drink to help your body recover and replace all the fluid you lost.

Rewarding Yourself Correctly

Have your post-workout snack within 30 minutes of your workout. Choose a healthy snack that both replenishes carbs and protein and satisfies any sweet cravings. Eating protein and carbohydrates post-workout can help your body to repair and replenish its energy stores.