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How to Support Post-Workout Recovery

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Whether you are dedicated to running, obsessed with cycling, or just someone who consistently gets those steps in, you probably know that exercise can leave your muscles feeling tired and sore. That's where post-workout recovery comes in. 

Recovery is about more than just pressing the cooldown button on the treadmill. We’ve put together seven ways to get your body into recovery mode post-workout:

Stay Hydrated
As always, staying hydrated is our mission! Drinking water after exercise can help replenish the fluids you sweat out and promote recovery. Drinking electrolytes or adding electrolyte powders to your water is another option to recover hydration.

Actively Rest
It can be tempting to crash onto the couch and binge reality TV after a workout, especially if the exercise is particularly exhausting. But while it’s important to get rest, doing active rest may be optimal. Active rest involves doing light movement—think going for a walk or doing restorative yoga—to keep blood flowing around your body after a workout. 

Eat Your Protein
Consuming high-protein foods after a workout may help your muscles recover. You don’t need to take any specific supplements to recover from a workout, but those looking to increase their protein intake or build muscle may experiment with protein powders for an added boost of the macronutrient.

Get Enough Sleep
Some say they sleep better after a good workout, but the benefit may be mutual. Sleep gives your muscles the time they need to heal and recover. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep, but recognize you may need more if you’re working out more intensely. 

Massage and Stretch
Stretching isn’t just ideal immediately before and after a workout. Stretching supports blood flow and can help improve mobility and relieve muscle tension. Some people also incorporate an element of massage (such as foam rolling or using a massage gun) in their post-workout recovery plans to help reduce muscle soreness.

Pass on the Alcohol
Not only is alcohol known to be dehydrating, but research suggests that alcohol can also impair post-workout recovery. So save the bubbly for a special occasion and turn to a healthy mocktail instead.

Body Check & Reflect
Post-workout recovery is about more than the physical. We can also infuse mindfulness into how we think about exercise with a body check. Before you head to bed the night after a workout, take a few moments to reflect on your day’s movement. How did each specific exercise make you feel? Did you feel sufficiently challenged or think you pushed yourself too hard? Exercising at the level that’s right for you can help protect you from injury. 

Remember, taking the time to properly recover is not a sign of weakness; it's a crucial part of becoming a stronger, healthier you. So, after your next workout, take some time to recover properly. Your body will thank you, and you'll be on your way to achieving your fitness goals! 

 

CON-1802-001 10/23
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Important Safety Information
What is CONTRAVE?
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CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:

Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.

CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.

Important Safety Information
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CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.
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Important Safety Information
What is CONTRAVE?
See Less 

CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:

Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.

While taking CONTRAVE, you or your family members should pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when you start taking CONTRAVE or when your dose changes.

Stop taking CONTRAVE and call a healthcare provider right away if you or your family members notice any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying; attempts to commit suicide; depression; anxiety; feeling agitated or restless; panic attacks; irritability; aggression, anger, or violence; acting on dangerous impulses; an extreme increase in activity and talking; other unusual changes in behavior or mood; trouble sleeping.

CONTRAVE is not approved for use in children under the age of 18.

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Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you have: depression or other mental illnesses; attempted suicide; seizures; head injury; tumor or infection of brain or spine; low blood sugar or low sodium; liver or kidney problems; high blood pressure; heart attack, heart problems, or stroke; eating disorder; drinking a lot of alcohol; prescription medicine or street drug abuse; are 65 or older; diabetes; pregnant or planning to become pregnant; or breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

CONTRAVE may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Seizures. There is a risk of having a seizure when you take CONTRAVE. The risk of seizure is higher in people who take higher doses of CONTRAVE, have certain medical conditions, or take CONTRAVE with certain other medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking CONTRAVE unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking CONTRAVE, stop taking CONTRAVE and call your healthcare provider right away.

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    Get emergency medical help right away if you take opioids and you:

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What is CONTRAVE?

CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.

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Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for CONTRAVE.