Do These Things After Every Walking Workout
By Sara Butler
Walking is a great way to exercise. It's low impact but still gives your body the intense workout you need to stay healthy and build strong muscles. But even though walking doesn't seem as intense as some other forms of exercise, it's still imperative that you recover properly in order to avoid injuries and improve your fitness. Here are a few things you must do after each and every walking workout.
Cool Down
No matter what you did during your workout, it's important to give your body a period of time to cool down before you call it quits. Walking at a slower pace allows you to get your heart rate down to normal and rid your body of any lactic acid that could cause some major soreness the next day.
Do at least 10 minutes of cooldown after each workout and throw in a few yoga poses for good measure to help your body relax and return to normal non-workout levels.
Drink Water
No matter how much you sweat during your workout, it's important to properly re-hydrate after you're active. Even during a low to moderate intensity workout, your body loses water through sweat and that can have a negative impact on your body's vital functions.
In the hour after your workout, drink a lot of water. If your workout was particularly intense or it was really hot outside, make sure to drink water and think about replacing your electrolytes with a workout drink such as Gatorade. If you're unsure how much water you need to drink, weigh yourself before a workout and then again when you're done. Drink enough water to get back up to the weight you were before the workout. Or you can use an app on your phone to track your hydration levels.
Eat Something
The energy you expend during a workout needs to be replenished. So take the time within an hour after your workout to have a nutrient-rich snack to help your muscles repair and strengthen. Skip the sugar and instead go for leafy greens, lean protein, or a protein shake.
Stretch It Out
Stretching after a workout helps to reduce soreness as it improves flexibility, both of which can help you reduce your chances of an injury as you improve your fitness. Even if you don't have a lot of time to go through a full stretch routine, concentrate on the places you tend to tighten up, such as your hamstrings.
Walking is so good for you, but don't skip what's important after your workout to get all its benefits!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.