7 Post Workout Mistakes

Maintaining a healthy and fit body doesn't only take place inside of the gym. If you aren't noticing the results you have been working towards, maybe improving a few simple steps after your workout could help speed things along. Check below for 7 tips that could help you to feel better about your workout! 

1. Avoiding Stretching.

Nothing is worst than having a nasty and painful muscle cramp to remind you of a great workout. The best way to prevent cramping from a workout is to warm up and cool down by stretching before and after you begin to exercise. Make sure to listen to your body and pay attention to your body's limits so you won't over-stretch and pull a muscle.

2. Ignoring Your Foam Roller

Foam rolling after a workout can potentially help you with improving flexibility, increasing blood flow, and can help loosen up those stiff knots in your muscle tissue. Try using a foam roller before you begin your cool-down stretches to help soothe and loosen those tense muscles than can lead to those annoying cramps.

3.  Skipping the Cool Down

Cooling down is an essential part of your post workout routine. Your body needs to gradually get back to its normal heart rate. It is important to use your cool down routine to focus on the area of your body that you were exercising. You can never go wrong with a slight jog or fast paced walk on the treadmill for 5 minutes. 

4.  Not Replenishing What You Sweat Out

Your body sweats to cool itself down but in the process you are losing valuable nutrients and vitamins. Rehydrating after a workout is one of the best things you can do for your body. Hydrating can help maintain body temperature and lubricates your joints. Grabbing a sports drink or a glass of water after a hard workout can help keep you energised and feeling good. But try not to go overboard with the sugary sports drinks because it can put back on the calories you just burned off.

5. Neglecting to Eat

Eating after you exercise sounds a bit backwards but you can only hide from your fork for so long before it starts to negatively affect your body. Eating the proper foods can give you the right amount of energy and fuel your body. If you go too long without eating your body may start to eat away at your muscle tissue which can take away from your tone and definition. Make sure to eat the right amount of fruits, vegetables and protein and stay away from as many bad carbs (choose wholegrains) and unhealthy fatty foods as possible. 

6.  Not Keeping Track Of Your Progress

Don't be afraid to push yourself each time you start your workout! The best way to do this is by knowing how much you accomplished the last time you worked out. This can be done by timing yourself during certain exercises or aiming to keep your heart rate above a certain number. Using a pedometer is a great way to keep track of your distance and progress when going out for a run. It's okay to compete against yourself and it can be a really fun challenge. 

7. Not Giving Yourself Enough Credit

Working towards any goal can become frustrating at certain points but you can't focus on what you haven't done and neglect to give yourself credit for all that you have accomplished. Nothing worth working for comes easy without discipline and this goes for achieving your desired fitness results as well.  Putting your workout clothes on and heading to the gym is half of the battle... finish strong! 

Kayla xx