3 Important Steps to Faster Muscle Recovery

It’s been one or two days since your last earth-shattering workout, you really outdid yourself this time and are starting to feel the effects. This common condition is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It’s a natural healing remedy that helps your muscles recover.

What are the 3 most important things you should do to help your body accelerate DOMS so you can get back to working out?

1.Hydrate.

Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body’s systems functioning at a high level. It’s refreshing and replenishing. Here’s a good guideline:

Drink at least half your body weight in water daily to keep your body on top of its’ game and your mind clear. If you’re 150 lbs, drink 75 oz. of water daily.

2.Supplement with Nutrients.

Intense exercise hastens blood circulation which allows for faster delivery of nutrients to your recovering muscles. Supplement that amazing workout with the right foods and stick to the all-natural options — eggs, skim milk (we love chocolate milk, so that’s okay!), cottage cheese, yogurt (try tossing it into one of our favorite {smoothie recipes}), soybeans – these are extremely protein-rich and digest quickly.

Follow this up immediately with some lean meats like skinless chicken breasts, turkey, or fish to pack a protein punch.

Lastly, add in some colorful fruits such as cherries (anti-inflammatory) or blueberries (antioxidants) and you’ve sent DOMS back into Pandora’s Box.

3.Stretch.

Remaining stagnant post-workout will leave you with stiff muscles, longer recovery times, and more prone to injury. Make sure to stretch – it only takes an extra couple of minutes.