How do you feel after your workout today? Did you remember to stretch after? How did you recover? All important questions you should have an answer to! If not, you may not be doing the best things for your body. What you do to “cool down” your muscles are just as important as what you do for “warming them up.” But fear not, if you are not sure, we have some tips for you today on HIIT Recovery
The key for optimum recovery after a high-intensity interval training session is to keep moving! Whether it be a few minutes of walking or slow cycling to give your heart a smoother transition from work to rest, this gentle transition will aid your blood flow to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to your fatigued muscles for less cramping! You can also follow up by increasing your joint mobilization with dynamic stretching and prevent muscle knots with a massage. The use of a sauna can also aid in muscle recovery! It does so by increasing blood circulation and carrying oxygen-rich blood to oxygen-depleted muscle. Heat also allows muscles to relax better, thus relieving muscle tension.
Once you have reduced the amount of cooldown movements, it’s then good to stretch and lengthen your muscles to help workout the lactic acid build-up. It is also great to incorporate some yoga moves like ‘Childs Pose’ and ‘Downward Facing Dog.’
The last important step to recovery is how you refuel your body after workout!
As you workout the body goes under oxidative stress that can cause cramping and injury. Because of this, it’s important to consume antioxidant-rich foods after a HIIT workout in addition to the protein and carbohydrates the body needs to replenish and repair itself. Just a few examples of antioxidant-rich foods include berries, leafy greens, beets, and broccoli.
Overall, HIIT workouts are- much like in their name- intense! Be sure to work your way up on intensity levels to help prevent injury and to help track your progression! Just remember to refuel and keep moving during your recovery.
