Don’t Commit These 4 Post-Workout Mistakes
Don’t Commit These 4 Post-Workout Mistakes
It takes a lot of time and energy to get a workout in, especially if you have a busy schedule and aren’t usually very motivated. Don’t commit these four post-workout mistakes that may undo the good you’ve done — or worse, result in illness or injury.
Staying in Sweaty Clothes After a Workout
Mistake
Aside from feeling disgusting, staying in sweaty clothes can lead to a yeast infection or body acne. Although going outside in wet clothes won’t make you sick, when you walk out into cool air, your wet clothes are going to make you very chilly, and being cold for too long can weaken the immune system.
What to do
Always pack a clean, dry change of clothes, including undies, a bra, and socks. Shower if you can, but if time doesn’t allow for it, just change into your dry outfit.
Keeping Your Mat Rolled Up Until Next Class
Mistake
You wouldn’t ball up your sweaty sports bra and then slip it on the next time you work out, so why do the same thing with your yoga mat? Keep in mind that dark, moist places are breeding grounds for bacteria.
What to do
After getting home from class, wipe down your mat, and hang it over a door or banister, so it can dry.
Rewarding Yourself With High-Calorie Treats
Mistake
After burning 250 calories during your workout, you’ll end up undoing all the good by taking in more calories than you burned!
What to do
Choose a healthy post-workout snack that both replenishes and satisfies any sweet cravings, like carbs and protein .
Downing a Sports Drink After Your Workout
Mistake
Some sport drinks can contain over 330 calories. That’s almost as many calories as a serving of choc chip ice cream with cream on top! Unless you’re working out intensely for hours, a sports drink isn’t necessary.
What to do
If you’re doing a regular 30 to 60 minute workout, rehydrate with good old-fashioned water. If you’re concerned about replacing lost electrolytes, go for calorie-free Vitamin Water or low-calorie coconut water. Save the sports drinks for longer, more intense workouts.
Skipping the Cooldown
Mistake
The post-workout cooldown and stretching session is essential to your workout, because it allows your heart rate to slowly return to its normal pace and can prevent soreness and injury by stretching out the muscles you just used.
What to do
If you’re worried about shortening your workout to make time to cool down and stretch, push yourself harder during the actual workout by pumping up the intensity for 10 minutes before cooling down for five. Or, if you can, get to the gym 15 to 20 minutes earlier, so you can get in your regular cardio workout and still have enough time to cool down and stretch your muscles.
