After the Burn: Best Post-Workout Routines

First, we want to take a look at post-workout nutrition and what you should be eating to adequately refuel. It's imperative to optimize the carbohydrate-protein ratio post-workout, getting it as close to 2:1 as possible. For intense weight-resistance routines, with the objective of building muscle size, experts suggest consuming 20 to 30 grams of lean protein and 30 to 40 grams of healthy carbohydrates (e.g., whole grain pasta) within 30 minutes, ideally, of the end of your workout. For lighter, aerobics-focused workouts, with the objective of maintaining overall fitness, it's suggested to eat a well-balanced meal, getting as close to the recommended 2:1 carbohydrate-protein ratio as you can. Though the recommended window for post-workout eating is half an hour—some experts even contend eating within an hour, or 60 minutes, after a workout is still within the optimal anabolic window—the most important component is having the right balance of food. Some of the best post-workout foods include quinoa; brown rice; nut butter (almond or cashew, for instance); non-fat yogurt; greens (kale, broccoli sprouts, asparagus, etc.); and lean meats (e.g., chicken or turkey). Vegan proteins including lentils, beans, and tofu have also been shown to expedite recovery, specifically after resistance training. Essentially, eating high-quality proteins and carbohydrates, after exercise, is essential for replenishing you for an even more effective workouts in the future. 

Sweat loss during exercise ranges from .5 liters to 2 liters per hour on average. Generally, any weight loss of greater than 2% during routines will substantially decrease performance and any weight loss surpassing 4% can contribute to heat-related ailments, like heat stroke, which could be deadly. To stave these off, it is important to hydrate before workouts at the very least, to promote safety, even during the most intense sets.

It bears mentioning that your traditional protein powder is not essential. You want to opt for healthy foods, including those that are self-prepared, that give you essential nutrients or custom blends that provide the vital vitamins and minerals you need. Some good choices are featured at the bottom of the article.

These are some recommendations for your best post-workout routine:

1) Take a few minutes to cool down 

2) Stretch

3) Hydrate (drink at least 16 ounces of water or a non-sugar drink)

4) Eat a healthy snack (full of lean protein or unrefined carbohydrates)

5) Consider a supplement (e.g., BCAAs or branch-chained amino acids)

6) Do low-intensity exercises on rest days

7) Always prioritize high-quality proteins and carbohydrates

Following these recommendations can give you the best results, advancing your initial exercise objectives. It's evident that going hard is just as much about what you do when you go home.

References

Cronkleton, E. (2020). 11 steps to follow for a post-workout routine that gets results. https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/what-to-do-after-working-out

Leal, D. (2021). What to eat after a workout: Post-workout nutrition, timing, and tips. https://www.verywellfit.com/the-best-foods-to-eat-after-a-workout-3121369

Naciero, F., Seijo, M., Earnest, C.P., Puente-Fernández, J., & Larumbe-Zabala, E. (2020). Ingesting a post-workout vegan-protein multi-ingredient expedites recovery after resistance training in trained young males. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 18(6), 698-713. https://www.tandfonline.com/action/showCitFormats?doi=10.1080%2F19390211.2020.1832640