However, some fitter individuals may need more recovery because they are regularly exercising at a higher intensity. Always consult a healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your routine. Before we get into the tips, let’s break down why recovery is so essential from a scientific perspective. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the type of exercise you do determines how long your recovery period should be. It provides energy to cells, particularly muscle cells, during high-intensity, short-duration activities like weightlifting or sprinting. This technique helps me recover fast and optimize my gain and strength.
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On top of this, there are many steps you can take both during, before and after your workout that can completely change the recovery time and process. I’m David Dack, the driving force behind The Runners Blueprint Blog since its inception in 2014. With a profound passion for running and fitness, I’ve cultivated this platform into a go-to resource for runners of all levels.
Neglecting recovery can lead to overtraining, decreased performance and even injury. Low-intensity steady movement improves blood flow and delivers nutrients to repair damaged tissues and eliminate inflammatory metabolic waste. It also prevents the accumulation of lactic acid and other byproducts in the muscles. Alternatively, frequent swimmers or hikers can turn to walking, cycling or yoga as forms of active recovery to help them feel better and more prepared on exercise days. Beginners into yoga might turn to foam rolling or stretching as a form of active recovery on days they’re not practicing, too. “Any low-impact exercises you can do in between sets, after working out or on rest days fall under the umbrella of active recovery,” she adds.
Consume plenty of protein throughout the day
I’ve written extensively about the best diet to improve strength and performance and what that means for regular fitness enthusiasts like madmuscle review me. For some types of exercises, carbs are the best source of fuel. For example, endurance athletes can use fat as fuel just as efficiently as glucose. On days when I plan on really pushing myself in the gym, I often leverage exogenous ketone supplements for an extra boost. There are several supplements that can have a major impact on your recovery — assuming you’re doing everything else right already.
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Available in various surface textures, they can help roll out tensions across the body, providing a deep massage and loosening muscles. Core Balance’s Foam Roller is suitable for all kinds of stretches to help relieve tightness in the muscles and speed up recovery time. For more of our favourites, head to our guide on the best foam rollers recommended by top physiotherapists.
My recommendation is to drink plenty of water and make sure your urine looks clear — a sign that you’re properly hydrated. Let me be as clear as possible — if you don’t consistently sleep well, it doesn’t matter what else you do. So don’t even bother taking supplements or getting a massage after a night out drinking. There is virtually nothing you can do to make up for a poor night’s sleep.
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- Sleep deprivation can have a very negative effect on recovery.
- So if you feel in need of a post-workout drink, consider a high-quality protein powder mixed with water and maybe a splash of honey.
- You can also do myofascial release yourself, with a foam roller or tennis ball.
- A Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research study found that rehydrated athletes recovered faster—heart rate dropped quicker, nervous system reset faster.
- Wearing compression socks and other compression garments can also help promote better blood flow and circulation, which in turn aid in muscle recovery.
- As you age, you will typically need more time off between sessions.
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Specifically, we’re talking about your maximum oxygen capacity, i.e., VO2 max, along with resting heart rate (RHR) and heart rate variability (HRV) to start. Your app may use AI to recommend rest, or you can interpret the numbers yourself. Whether you massage using a massage gun, book a massage with a massage therapist, or use a massage chair, for example, the act of massaging your muscles can provide a sense of relief and relaxation.
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Take an Ice Bath
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The key will likely be for you to try each one and determine which ones feel best for you. “The demands on your body are different when running in hot and humid conditions versus cold and dry climates,” Mandje says. The best time to re-fuel postrun is within about 30 to 60 minutes. “Our bodies are eager to rebuild to the stress of training, but we need nutrition to do so optimally,” Corkum adds.
Ice baths, cold water immersion, cryotherapy chambers, and even cold packs can reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels and slowing nerve impulses. Consider activities like light cardio, yoga, or mobility work to help flush waste from muscles, reduce soreness, and facilitate repair between intense sessions. Hydration isn’t just about quenching thirst—it’s essential for muscle repair and overall performance. Dehydration can slow recovery by impairing muscle function and delaying waste removal after exercise.
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Faster recovery after leg day is entirely possible if it’s something that you want to achieve, and the science to back this up is quite irrefutable. Not only does faster recovery mean less training time lost to the recovery process, but it also means that you’re simply not feeling as miserable in the days that follow your training session. So, read this article if you want the proven steps to take to optimize the entire recovery process after a lower body workout or activity session, AKA leg day. Rest days also support hormonal balance, particularly by allowing cortisol and other stress hormones to normalize, which can improve sleep quality, mood, and overall recovery. Traditional training programs often schedule one or two rest days per week, particularly after high-intensity or heavy resistance sessions. DOMS is a normal response to challenging your muscles in new ways.