7 Tips for Using Workout Recovery Supplements

Did you know that in the US alone more than 57% of adults use workout recovery supplements? That's a huge number of people who are relying on these types of tools to help them recover from a grueling workout.

If you're interested in learning more about how to utilize post-workout recovery supplements, this guide is for you. Let's jump into what you need to know about workout recovery using supplements!

1. Pair Workout Recovery Supplements With Hydration

One of the best ways to use your workout recovery supplements is to pair them with hydration techniques. Why? Because when you're dehydrated, your muscles can't properly repair themselves. 

What's more, if you work out in hot weather or humid conditions, you're more likely to become dehydrated. We're looking at you, hot yoga fans!

Although it's not a hard and fast rule, if you're going to work out, you should try to drink between 16 and 24 fluid ounces of water for each pound you shed during your workout. 

If you're unsure of how much that is, consider purchasing a flask with the measurements on it. This will help make sure that you're staying hydrated and sticking to recommended daily values.  

2. Pack on the Protein

Another pro tip for using post-workout supplements to aid with workout recovery is to pack on the protein. Protein is one of the best supplements for muscle recovery. 

That's because protein helps boost your muscle repair rate, leading to fewer injuries and less pain after a hard workout. That's even more important if you don't regularly consume enough protein. 

The most popular choice of protein is whey protein. However, you can also get casein protein or look for supplements that contain other forms of protein in them. 

The main goal when taking a workout supplement with protein is to make sure that you get enough to help your muscles fully recover. That means roughly half a gram of protein for every kilogram you weigh.

3. It's All About the Amino Acids

Our bodies produce certain amino acids on their own. However, there are some amino acids that the body simply can't produce without some assistance.

One of those amino acids is something called branched-chain amino acids. These types of amino acids help your muscles recover and heal after the strain of the gym. 

Moreover, BCAA amino acids also help your muscles grow. What that means is that you'll be in better shape for your next workout and that you can improve your muscle tone. 

4. Catch Some Z's

The old adage "sleep is for the weak" could not be farther from the truth. In fact, when your muscles are sore and you've finished a grueling workout, sleep is exactly what your body needs!

Getting enough sleep after your workout helps your body to repair and rebuild the muscles you've been straining at the gym. That way, you can actually start to see the gains you've been making in your workouts. 

If you're wanting to make sure you build muscle while you sleep, you can consider taking a casein protein supplement before bed. Casein protein is a protein that's slowly released, meaning you can reap the rewards at night when you're snuggled up in your bed.

5. Incorporate Creatine

Did you know that creatine is one of the most widely researched workout supplements? This unique nutrient is critical for helping anyone who's currently recovering from a tough workout. 

Studies show that creatine can help boost your muscle strength when you pair it with healthy resistance training. On top of that, it can reduce muscle inflammation and damage, eliminating soreness after your workout. 

Another benefit of creatine is that it helps build your muscle's glycogen stores back up. That will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for your next workout!

6. Wear Compression Garments

Another trick that many athletes swear by is using compression garments. Compression garments may help speed up your post-workout recovery, especially when you pair that with taking some helpful workout supplements. 

Compression garments help you recover because they apply a small amount of pressure to your muscles. The result is that you give your muscles a massage that helps them loosen up and get ready to get back in action. 

You don't need to wear your compression garments all the time, either. You can put it on during the day while you go about your business and take it off when you're ready to hit the gym or go to sleep. 

7. Supplements and Alcohol Don't Mix

One major pitfall athletes fall into is mixing their workout supplements with alcohol. While this won't kill you, it can definitely slow down your muscle recovery. 

That's because alcohol actually slows down the rate at which your muscles replenish their glycogen supplies. As a result, you can wind up feeling sluggish and sore for longer than you had bargained for. 

In addition, drinking alcohol interferes with your body's protein synthesis. to help avoid the problems caused by alcohol, switch that post-workout beer for a post-workout protein shake!

Make the Most Out of Your Workout Recovery Supplements

Now that you have a few tips up your sleeve for using your workout recovery supplements, you'll be able to maximize muscle recovery after a tough gym sesh. That will help you improve your gains even more. 

Speaking of great supplements, do you want to order some of the best supplements for recovery now? Shop our products and purchase some of our supplements so that you can start making the most of your workout.