We all know how important it is to get enough exercise each week. Equally, we also know the importance of eating right and living a balanced lifestyle. However, many people do not fully understand just how important recovery and rest are as part of a regular training routine.
Some people believe that if they push themselves to the absolute limit, they will get results faster. The truth is, the body needs time to heal and to replenish. Consistently pushing yourself to the limit without adequate rest could actually be doing you more harm than good.
What Happens During the Recovery Period?
Rest and relaxation allow the body time to repair and adapt to the stress associated with exercise. Replenishing muscle glycogen (energy stores) and allowing body tissue to repair are both important parts of the recovery process.
When it comes to training performance, sleep is also an important factor. A sleep-deprived athlete may experience changes in energy levels and general wellbeing that can affect their ability to train consistently.
For years it has been believed that pain equals gain when it comes to exercise. The reality is that post-workout recovery is just as important as the training itself.
Muscles do not grow whilst you are exercising. They grow whilst they are resting and repairing. When you exercise you are creating small amounts of stress on your muscle tissue. Adequate rest allows your body to adapt to that stress over time. If you do not allow enough time for recovery, your muscles may feel fatigued, inflamed and sore, which is not a great environment for consistent training progress.
What Can You Do to Support Recovery?
Aside from rest, there are several things you can do to support your recovery between training sessions. Nutrition plays a significant role, as does hydration and supplementation. Here are two products from the Emrald Labs range that are commonly used as part of a post-training routine:
Emrald Labs Amino+ EAA/BCAA
Amino+ is a full-spectrum amino acid powder combining both essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids in a single scoop. It contains a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio of L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Valine, the three amino acids most commonly associated with post-training recovery support. It is a popular choice among those looking to complement their recovery routine between sessions and is available in four flavours.
Emrald Labs Electrolyte+
Electrolyte+ is a five-electrolyte hydration formula combining sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus, sourced in part from coconut water powder and Himalayan pink salt. It also contains taurine, an amino acid naturally found in meat and fish that is commonly included in hydration and sports formulas. Staying hydrated and replenishing the minerals lost through sweat is an important part of any post-training routine, making Electrolyte+ a practical everyday option for active individuals.
Recovery is Part of the Process
As you can see, recovery and rest are a vital part of any consistent training routine. Alongside quality sleep, good nutrition and adequate hydration, the right supplements can be a convenient way to support your post-training routine. If you have any questions about the Emrald Labs range, reach out to us. We are more than happy to help.
