Are You Making These Post-Workout Mistakes?
By Sara Butler
Regular exercise is vital to your continued health and wellness. If you exercise, then good for you! You're taking the first big step toward a healthier you. But what you need to do to ensure your continued health doesn't stop once you step off the treadmill or finish your run. There are certain things you must do after a workout to care for your body and help to maximize your results. Here are a few of the most common post-workout mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake No. 1: Not Eating After a Workout
For many people trying to achieve or maintain an ideal weight, working out helps to burn calories. That's why it's not entirely uncommon for people to skip a post-workout snack after working so hard to burn all those calories, but not eating is a big mistake.
Of course, eating after a workout depends on what you did for your exercise. If you did a yoga class or went for a leisurely walk, then a snack may not be needed. Plus, you don't want to force yourself to eat when you're not hungry. But if you had a workout that lasted more than 90 minutes or you had an intense workout such as going for a run or taking a HIIT class, then a snack or meal after your workout is ideal.
Make sure your snack includes protein and carbohydrates to help replenish the glycogen your body uses to fuel muscles. Some great snack ideas include turkey rolled up in a tortilla or whole-grain crackers with peanut butter. And don't forget the water, either!
Mistake No. 2: Eating Too Much
You don't want to eat too little, but you don't want to eat too much, either. Eating too many calories after a workout can stall your progress.
Instead of opting for that 1,000-calorie smoothie after a workout, just be more mindful of what you're having. Try to keep your snack under 200 calories and watch how much added sugars are in it. Remember, the American Heart Association suggests that only about 100 of your total calories per day comes from sugar, so keep watch!
Mistake No. 3: Skipping the Cooldown
If you go right from the treadmill to the shower, you're making a mistake and are increasing your risk of injury. Working in just 10 minutes of gentle stretching after a workout can reduce your chances of injury and also help you not to feel so sore the next day.
Exercise is good for you but you have to do it right. If you need post-workout tips, then the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic are a great resource.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.