Ultimate Guide to Post Workout & Muscle Recovery [Infographic]

Almost every fitness enthusiast will put a lot of thought and effort into their pre-workout routine so that their body is primed for exercise, but how many will be equally mindful of what they do immediately after working out? Any fitness or nutrition expert will tell you that post-workout and muscle recovery is just as critical as pre-workout, and if you don’t eat right or rest properly after working out, all of the muscle gains you stand to make from the exercise will be wasted.

Now that you’re aware of the importance of a post-workout meal, what exactly should it entail? Proteins and carbohydrates such as organic chicken, organic free range eggs, bananas, brown rice, couscous, oats, pasta and sweet potatoes all help massively in providing a well-balanced post-workout diet, in addition to supplements with similar ingredients.

Good nutrition, though, is only one of the steps towards the perfect post-workout routine. You also need to get plenty of sleep (aim for 8 hours a night), steer clear of alcohol and try to minimize stress in your life. That last one’s a toughie, but it sure helps! The value of a good night’s sleep cannot be underestimated. Many of us can eat into our sleeping time by staying up unnecessarily late to watch box sets or go online at 4 in the morning. Seriously, don’t be one of those people if you want your body to be right for your next workout.

If you recognize the importance of post-workout and allowing your muscles to recover adequately, the infographic below from Justin Taylor at Supplement Mart is essential reading. Let’s have a look at what it has to say!

What is your top tip for post workout recovery? Let us know in the comment section below!

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