A new trend – or perhaps a man-made trend? What was previously termed as DOMS i.e. delayed onset muscle soreness is now being coined as ‘a hangover’ by many. However, calling it a hangover is not accurate, because it is not. Irrespective, these hangovers are causing many people to miss out on their lives and that is certainly an irrational practice worth addressing. 

To stop this, people must first understand that the major reason they liken it to a hangover and withdraw from life is usually the miseducation about exercise and fitness. Too many are exhibiting their beginner programs off, of what they see others do and are encouraged by the fitness industry motto, ‘no pain, no gain’. The problem is that people are jumping into the deep end without guidance and progression. A good workout, therefore, should not be limit-pushing, nor should it be so painful that it leads to workout hangovers not letting you function afterward.

Another reason for people to face workout hangovers is that they have injured themselves. When people work out and sweat, they do not realize how much water they need to replace all off that fluid. Not only that but water also helps flush all the metabolites out of the body and keep nutrients flowing to your muscles. Dehydration causes headaches, feeling of tiredness and at times nausea too. 

Ways to cure the workout hangover

Avoid stress

The workout hangover goes hand in hand with cortisol which is the stress hormone and too much stress can lead to a workout hangover.

Do not go too heavy very often

Training brutally hard for one or two days of the gym is a big NO. Getting into the gym with consistent good workouts will have a bigger payout and a better result than killing yourself with one big session per week, which will cause all other sessions to be poor, or even force you to rest for more days. 

Also Read: Working For 8-9 Hours? Tips To Maintain Your Fitness Regime

Do not overuse pre-workout stimulants

Always keep in mind that stimulants when used too often lose their efficacy. Some caffeine, good diet and proper workout nutrition are all enough to get the job done. 

Make sleep a priority

Mitigating the workout hangover means enhancing the hormones that will help you feel your best.

Also Read: Running Vs. Climbing Stairs: What’s Good and What’s Bad

Laugh more

What’s better than laughing? It releases endorphins, reduces cortisol and helps in improving the immune system. The more ‘feel good’ hormones your body releases, less is the amount of stress you experience. So, let go off stress, find a friend who makes you laugh, watch and read something funny. 

Physical and mental lethargy from working out, particularly with intense workout routines is manageable and avoidable with the right answers. The key to avoiding workout hangovers is to find out what works the best for your workout regime thus aiding you in recovering as effectively and as efficiently as possible. 

(With inputs from Shalini Bhargava, Director at JG’S Fitness Centre)

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