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6 Things You Should Never Do After a Workout

Showing up at your gym and burning those calories are crucial steps to achieve your fitness goals. But, that’s not all. The things you do after exercising can also affect your results. You may not know it, but you may have some post-workout habits that are sabotaging your goals. To help you avoid these common mistakes, here is a list of things you should never do after a workout.

1. EATING THE WRONG SNACKS

Some people may avoid eating after a strenuous workout, but for most, they’re going to treat themselves with their favorite foods. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, your body will need food to refuel and rebuild itself. So, fitness experts recommend eating within 20 to 30 minutes after you exercise. However, not all kinds of foods can offer benefits. As much as possible, opt for products rich in carbohydrates and proteins. For example, the best post-workout foods you can eat are edamame, bananas, and sweet potatoes.

2. FORGETTING TO STRETCH AND COOL DOWN

Sometimes, you may forget to do some cool down exercise and stretch your tired muscles after a long and exhausting workout. But, one of the most important things you should never do after a workout is neglecting to cool down and stretch. Remember, your body needs to cool to get its heart rate and blood pressure back to normal. Through this, you can avoid feeling dizzy or passing out. Walking while swinging your arms is the simplest way to cool down. Stretching, on the other hand, can help prevent muscle stiffness and soreness.

3. WEARING SWEAT-COVERED CLOTHES AFTER EXERCISING

It is highly recommended to shower and change your clothes after exercising to avoid body odor, skin problems, and worse a yeast infection. If you need to do some errands after your workout, wear moisture-wicking clothes to keep your skin dry. When you reach your home, take a bath and change your clothes as soon as possible. In addition, avoid wearing clothes made with cotton while exercising because they can trap sweat or moisture.

4. TOUCHING YOUR FACE

Aside from those things you should never do after a workout, you should also avoid touching your face, especially after leaving the gym. Keep in mind that the various fitness machines and tools in your gym are a breeding ground of microorganisms that can transfer to your hands and cause acne or make you sick. For this reason, you should always wash your hands or take a shower after exercising and dry your face and body with a clean towel.

5. NOT DRINKING ENOUGH FLUIDS

When you’re focused on lifting weights or performing a certain yoga pose, you don’t have time to sip some water. Thus, it is important to drink a lot of fluids to replace the water and electrolytes that you’ve lost when you sweat. But, not all beverages are good for your body. Caffeinated and sugar-laden drinks will not hydrate your body. So, opt for a nutritious option, like coconut water. You can also drink plain water and get electrolytes from foods, such as bananas, peanuts, and raisins.

6. NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP

The last in this list of things you should never do after a workout is not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is a common problem, especially for those with a busy schedule. However, when you’re exercising, getting enough quality sleep is essential for proper recovery. There are several habits you can do to get a good night’s rest, like setting aside your gadgets at least two hours before bedtime. Remember, the blue light emitted by your phones and other gadgets can decrease your body’s melatonin production and disrupt your sleep.

Overall, you need to work your muscles to achieve your fitness goals. But, you also need to take care of your body afterward and avoid these common mistakes. Through this, you can prevent injuries or other health problems while your body is healing properly.

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