Do not be fooled into thinking that when your training session has finished you can forget about your exercise regime until next time. On the contrary, post workout recovery is just as important as warming up, and it is essential for strength building and muscle and tissue repair.

To stop you from seizing up and feeling the burn in all of the wrong ways, below are five post workout recovery tips.

Slow down to cool down

Slowing down for approximately 5 – 10 minutes at the end of a training session instead of stopping suddenly will help prevent muscle stiffness and fatigue by removing lactic acid from the muscles.

Stretch

Similar to how you are advised to stretch your muscles before a workout, you should try and get into the habit of doing some gentle stretches after your workout. Stretching the muscles will help them to recover and will reduce the chances of sustaining an injury.

Drink plenty of water
When you exercise you lose a lot of fluid through sweating. Water helps improve bodily functions and increase metabolic rates, which subsequently leads to weight loss. It is therefore imperative that you replace lost fluids by drinking plenty of water after you have exercised.

Get plenty of rest

Make sure you leave plenty of time between workouts. The body has a tremendous capacity to recover and for the muscles to repair themselves after a heavy workout so long that they are given a substantial time to recover. Try and get as much rest as you can between each exercise regime.

Fuel up correctly

Exercise seriously depletes your energy stores and, if not replaced, can leave you feeling tired and lethargic. It is therefore important that you refuel your body after exercising. Nutritionists advise that you aim to eat within an hour after you have finished your workout. Avoid sugary, “quick-fix” snacks and stick to that is high in protein and carbohydrates.