Have you ever started a workout feeling stiff and tired? It’s likely that you didn’t have a proper rest the day before. Regular rests are one of the most essential parts of maintaining a healthy and consistent workout routine.
After a session of heavy weightlifting or cardio, you need to give yourself enough time to recover. A fraction of a day usually isn’t sufficient to get you ready for the following day of training.
One of the most common solutions is to take regular rest days. These help you to fully recover and get back the energy you need to keep training at the same pace.
Whether you take frequent rest days or just set aside some time to relax, there are many ways to improve how you rest. Read on for tips on how to get the most benefit from your downtime between workouts.
Get Proper Sleep
A healthy amount of sleep is essential for your body to recover after a workout. The recommended number is seven to nine hours every night. While it can be easy to get distracted and stay up late, it’s crucial to ensure that you hit this amount on your rest days.
While many people focus on asking how much sleep to get, there are other factors that contribute to a good rest. Everything from your pillow to your mattress can affect the quality of your sleep. Using a different type of mattress can help you to fall asleep quicker, for example.
There are many options out there, like cooling mattresses that lower your body temperature. If you struggle to fall asleep because you’re too hot, then this can provide a more comfortable rest.
Even these come in different types, so picking the best cooling mattress for you can help speed up your recovery. No matter your preferences, there are loads of options that can improve your sleep.
Keep Hydrated
The essentials become even more important when you’re relaxing since they can be easy to forget about. Drinking enough water when you’re tired during a workout is easy, but keeping this habit up at home can be tricky.
Water helps to lubricate muscles and prevent cramps while you’re inactive. Whenever you’re resting, keep a bottle of water nearby for a faster recovery. It also keeps your body feeling healthy and fresh.
Be Active
While this may seem counter-intuitive, there are many low-stress activities you can do to keep active during your rest period. Exercises like walking and yoga are an excellent way to strengthen and rest your body at the same time.
Hardcore gym training can lead to sore or stiff muscles and tendons. These light exercises increase your blood flow and help stretch out your body. This is known as active recovery and is a fantastic way to get ready for your regular workout.
Conclusion
A good rest is the only way to let your body properly recover from a hard workout. Without it, you can struggle to stay energetic and even end up getting hurt. Use these tips to give your body the best rest possible.
From proper sleep to light exercises, there are many ways to improve your downtime and keep it interesting. Be sure to remember the simple things like staying hydrated for a speedy recovery.
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