4 Post-Workout Habits Which Will Maximise Your Workout

So you have taken the first steps towards a healthier self. You have started attending the gym on a more regular basis. But could you be undercutting your hard work with some bad post-workout habits? Here are 4 things you should be doing. 

1.Food: In an ideal world, slaving away at the gym means you are more likely to eat a healthy meal when you get home. In reality, a vast majority of us are consuming the wrong fuel. In part due to not being prepared and in part due to the bad habit of rewarding ourselves, many of us are undercutting the benefits of our workout by not eating right. 

Protein and complex carbohydrates are the ideal post-workout choices. Opt for options such as brown rice, chicken, fish, and vegetables. 

2.Stretch it out. We mean really stretch it out. While many of us have implementing stretching into our post workout routines, we are not doing enough. Studies show a 15-minute, dedicated stretch is ideal. 

Furthermore we should be stretching in the days following our sessions and not just post workout to ensure muscle recovery. 

3. Stay mobile - you will burn more calories. Following a rigorous workout, we continue to burn calories through NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), which occurs through light movement. Instead of sitting on the couch and enjoying, why not get your housework out the way, run some errands or simply potter around the garden. While time may be of the essence, NEAT means morning or mid morning training sessions are optimal for those hoping to lose weight. 

4. Plan your next gym session and we really mean plan. Make a commitment to your next session by booking into the next class, with your gym instructor or training partner. If you prefer exercising on your own, make a note in your diary and commit to that next session while you are feeling inspired.