8 Things You Do After The Gym That Makes It Totally Useless

Exercising
is one of the most rewarding pastimes as it not only helps us
maintaining a healthy physique, but it also keeps our mind healthy,
reducing stress level s along with stomach fat. Yet in order for your
workout to be most effective, there are a few rules you must follow
and mistakes you should avoid. You probably know that pre-workout
routine is extremely important, but most of us forget that what we do
after the exercises is equally essential to building a fit and lean
body. Here are 8 things you do after the gym that makes it totally
useless.

Skipping
post-workout snack

You
might think that eating after workout is a big no-no, but here’s
where you’re wrong. It’s best to eat a light protein meal with a
bit of carbs half an hour after the workout (but not later). Protein
is crucial to healing and strengthening your muscles that stretched
during the workout. You also need to replenish the glycogen your body
used to fuel the workout, so eating a bit of carbs will be only good
for you.

Ignoring
your body temperature

During
workout your body temperature rises naturally, and it’s fine to
rock that tank top of yours, but once you finish working out it’s
best to put on something warm even if it still feels warm. The thing
is, your body has just been under some stress and is now recovering,
which leaves it vulnerable to all kinds of viruses and diseases. If
you want to boost your immunity and not vice versa, you should put on
some warm jacket after your exercise.

Relaxing
too much

After
the workout you want to cool down, that’s understandable, but in
order to relax and still reap all the benefits of the workout you
just did, you need to reduce your activity little by little. Opt for
an active ‘cool-down’ – go for a short walk, play with your pet, do
some cleaning in the house. Don’t just drop on the couch or to
watch some TV – thias will do no good for your body, according to
scientists.

Skipping
water

Dehydration
is a nasty thing and it can happen easily if you don’t replenish
all the water lost during exercise. All your bodily and brain
functions depend on it! Without rehydration, your body will not
receiver fully and you might even feel fatigue and exhaustion after
the workout. It’s also important to drink water and not some energy
or sugary drinks that will mess with your sugar levels and blood
pressure.

Drinking
alcohol after the workout

This
one should be obvious, but we will still mention it. Drinking after
workout and in general if you’re trying to build a fit body with
toned muscles is a big no-no. Not only does it mess with your calorie
intake and sugar levels, it also inhibits muscle growth – exactly
the opposite of what you’re trying to do!

Stressing
too much

Whether
it is the pressure of reaching your exercise goals or overall stress
levels caused by work or studies, it will only impair your workout.
It’s good to relax after gym, do something pleasant like spending
time with family, reading a book, playing with your pet. Stressing
after workout will make your whole routine unproductive and you will
feel less motivated to continue exercising tomorrow. Make sure your
gym activity is connected with something pleasant so you have more
desire to come back to it again and again.

Start
workout without stretching

So
you probably know that stretching and warming up your muscles before
the workout is important, but you should do it afterwards as well!
Post-workout stretching promotes muscle flexibility, improves blood
circulation, reduces stiffness and lessens soreness after the
exercises. When you do post-workout stretching, it gradually becomes
much easier to perform your routine.

Skipping
shower

First of all, it’s a matter of simple hygiene – you really need to wash off all that sweat and change into clean dry clothes. Your muscles also need that post-workout shower! You might be craving a cool shower after you finish exercising for several reasons – first of all to reduce your body temperature that has risen considerably during training. A cold shower also helps your muscles relax and regenerate faster. Your skin also needs cleaning as post-workout sweat will clog the pores, which will eventually lead to a number of health issues.