Recovery Tips For Endurance Athletes

Endurance races and marathons are gruelling on the human body and demand the utmost focus and dedication, not only in preparation but also to complete the upcoming challenge successfully. So, you’ve completed an endurance race, come home, crash down on the couch, barely able or willing to move for the next few days. It’s completely natural to feel this way, as you’ve just put your body through immense stress and exertion. But what can you do to recover a bit faster and get back on your feet – literally and figuratively – once it’s all over? We have a few tips which are quite simple, but essential for your recovery process.

Hydrate And Hydrate Some More

As we all know, water is vital for anyone, regardless of their activity level, age or health. Sports and physical exertion – especially in cases where your body is put at a consistent strain for several hours on end, as is the case with endurance sports – deplete your body of water, and you must restore your hydration levels to a healthy balance. A good rule of thumb is to weigh yourself before and after your race, then drink one and a half litres of water for every kilogram you’ve lost. You don’t have to down massive amounts all at once, merely keeping a water bottle with you and sipping throughout the day will work. Also, remember to replenish your electrolytes with an isotonic solution.

Get Enough Sleep

Endurance races wreak absolute havoc on your body, and it’s not just your muscles that are affected. Mental exertion and hormonal fluctuations also occur, and the best solution to treating all of the above is getting proper sleep. Add a few more hours to your usual sleep routine and make sure that you’re getting good quality, deep sleep, as your body will not recover properly without it.

Diet

The strain placed on your body means it will demand optimal nutrients to recover, rebuild your muscles and repair any damage done. Be sure to get the right balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats in and take supplements if you need to.

These are but a few tips that can help you recover from just about any sports activity you participate in. Not only that, but they are general health tips everyone can use.

If you’ve suffered a sprain or injury during your recent endurance event, or if you want to ensure that you avoid injury for an upcoming one, contact us and get an appointment at a Kingsland Physio Auckland.