After every workout, whether it is cardio or weight training, your body will need time to recover. During workouts, muscle tissue gets damaged and energy stores are depleted. You will need to rest your body, so it can recover.
The following principles can guide you when you want to recover faster from heavy workouts:
Getting more sleep. During sleep, your body produces certain hormones that help it recover from training. The pituitary gland increases production of HGH, and testosterone levels increase during REM sleep. Optimize your workout recovery by making sure that you get enough sleep and that you practice good sleep hygiene.
Eating properly. After training, your body needs protein to repair muscle tissue and carbohydrates to restore energy supplies. By maintaining a healthy diet that contains all the proteins and carbs that your body needs, a speedy recovery will be ensured.
Staying hydrated. Water is an essential part of workout recovery, as it supports metabolic function. By staying properly hydrated, you promote the transfer of nutrients throughout your body. Make sure that you also stay properly hydrated during your workouts, as exercising while dehydrated can damage your muscles.