Best Post-Workout Recovery Products
These 9 Recovery Must Haves Are Your Post-Workout Saviors
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I know I'm a fitness editor and all, but I still get REALLY sore after workouts. Sometimes (OK, most of the time) I go a little too hard, or stack too many workouts back to back, and my body totally hates me for it. Are you nodding your head and saying, "Yeah, that's me"? Then I've got a little checklist for ya!
These are my post-workout recovery essentials. I seriously swear by them — and combined, they are a force to be reckoned with! I promise, if you use these together, you'll be feeling good as new in a flash, and ready for your next workout.
Related: Here's What You Should Be Doing After Every Workout
Arnica
While I totally adhere to many Western Medicine practicies, I'm also a big fan of naturopathic and homeopathic treatments. Arnica is something I swear by post-workout, in both tablet and cream form. These Arnica tablets ($11) dissolve under your tongue and help alleviate cramping, swelling, stiffness, and soreness. In cream form, you can target specific zones and give yourself a little massage.
TheraPearl Sports Pack
I LOVE this ice/hot pack. I keep it in my freezer at all times; it's flexible, squishy, and just cool to look at. I'm getting ahead of myself. But I love the fact that the TheraPearl pack ($6) can be heated or frozen, which is perfect for spot-treating sore muscles and injuries.
Foam Roller
I'm a little bit in love with my Kayla Itsines foam roller ($28). Maybe it's because it's pink, maybe it's because I'm obsessed with Kayla Itsines, but regardless, this thing is supersturdy, hollow, and ridged, making for an excellent roll out. It also comes with a downloadable guide, in which Kayla shows you how to use the roller. How convenient, right?!
Addaday Massager
This boomerang massager ($48) helps me get knots out of hard to reach places, and is a great complement to the foam roller.
Electrolyte Drink
This refreshing drink from Recovery Water has just the right amount of flavor — and fresh peach happens to be one of my favorite flavors in general! It's not sweet, it's more like "essence of peach," which is really nice. If you're not a peach person, they have cucumber and plain flavors. It's electrolyte enhanced, which helps your body replace the good stuff it just sweated out. Since they're a newer brand, they're in some Whole Foods locations, or you can order online by the case.
Post-Workout Powder
Whether you put it in water or in a fruit smoothie, the mixed berry flavor of Arbonne Phytosport After Workout Powder ($55) will help prevent long-term soreness and accelerate your recovery process. I used to use a powder from what I call "the getting swole store," but when I ran out, I decided to give Arbonne a go because I love their Complete Hydration drink — and I'm super happy about it.
A Protein Snack
I tried these Clif Organic Trail Mix bars ($2) recently, and they've quickly become my favorite bar. To be perfectly honest, I'm not a "bar" kind of person, and I typically don't like them in general. This one is completely different, and doesn't taste like a protein bar — it's a tasty mix of dark chocolate, fruit, and nuts, and has four grams of protein.
Peppermint Oil
Another naturopathic remedy I love for sore muscles: peppermint oil ($8). You can find it at nearly any natural foods market, or on Amazon. I first discovered this when my massage therapist was working on my SUPER stiff, basically-cement IT bands. I noticed she was using peppermint oil, which created a tingly, soothing sensation, and it felt incredible. It's become a mainstay in my essential oil collection, as it also smells great in my diffuser.
Compression Recovery Socks
Something that helps with circulation after a run or intense workout is a good pair of compression recovery socks. I got to try these CEP Recovery+ Socks ($50) for myself, and they're so cozy and snug. I love wearing them to sleep to keep my legs comfortable and circulated.
