Muscular Maintenance 101: How to Repair Muscles After Exercise
Mar 01, 2025 06:00AM ● By David J. Sautter, NASM CPT, FNS, PES, ACE SCS
Key factors that affect recovery time include workout intensity and duration, stress, sleep and nutrition. Workouts that are longer in duration or higher in intensity require a greater amount of recovery time. High stress levels can increase cortisol and adrenaline, and consistently excessive levels of these fight-or-flight hormones have been shown to impact the body's ability to repair. If we are chronically deprived of proper sleep (at least seven hours every night) our muscles will suffer. And a poor diet is akin to using broken tools to fix something. Following a healthy, well-balanced and protein-focused eating plan can significantly improve muscle recovery time.
Here are a few scientifically proven approaches that promote tissue repair. A solid, muscle recovery plan should include one or more of these techniques.
Earthing
Earthing is the practice of connecting with the Earth’s surface energy by going barefoot outside. Also known as grounding or barefoot healing, recent studies suggest that this practice can promote muscle recovery. One study that divided 32 healthy young men into either a grounded or sham-grounded group found that the grounded participants had significantly greater concentrations of neutrophils and platelets, which are essential for pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.
In another study, researchers wanted to observe the impacts of grounding on immunity, focusing specifically on delayed onset muscle soreness. Results suggested that being grounded considerably lessened pain levels and altered circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes, as well as various chemicals related to inflammation.
“The feeling of being grounded will calm your mind and center your body,” says Anthony Roumell, a personal trainer, gym owner, gymnast and long-time proponent of earthing. But there’s more to grounding than a clear head. He explains, “Our entire cellular system charges with free electrons when we connect to the earth. Studies suggest that these free electrons act as antioxidants in the organism, neutralizing the inflammation response.”
Jonathan Jordan, a certified personal
trainer, nutrition coach and grounding practitioner, advises, “Simply
getting off computers or devices and going outside has immediate
benefits. Just taking a break, being outside in nature with sun and
fresh air lowers the fight-or-flight response. My clients who take the
time and practice this for just a few minutes during the day all see
great benefit to their health and in their workout programs.”
Hydration
Another
way to improve muscle recovery is by hydrating properly. Staying
adequately hydrated before, during and after a workout helps the body
flush out toxins, reduce inflammation and promote muscle repair.
Hydration is more than just drinking water. We also need electrolytes
such as sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium, which can be found in
natural sources like coconut water, fruits and vegetables. Electrolytes
can also be found in sports drinks, but make sure to choose brands that
do not contain sugar, preservatives or food coloring.
Diet
Having
a balanced meal before and after a workout is important for muscle
recovery. Eating the right foods can provide the essential nutrients
needed to repair muscles. Healthy examples include protein like poultry,
wild-caught fish, eggs and grass-fed protein powder; carbohydrates like
sweet potatoes, quinoa, oats and dark leafy greens; and fats like
avocados, nuts, seeds and medium-chain triglycerides, known in the
market as MCT oil.
Massage
Massage
increases the oxygen-rich blood flow in muscles and may decrease lactic
acid buildup—a condition that causes soreness and puts a damper on
proper exercise. Consider getting periodic massages from a well-trained
professional. A good massage can encourage muscles to heal faster.
Self-massage using a foam roller, trigger point balls or our own hands
can also be helpful. To promote better blood flow, compression clothing
designed to apply pressure to certain parts of the body may also be
helpful.
Contrast Therapy
Contrast
therapies involve alternating between hot and cold, such as taking a hot
shower followed by a cold one. A related muscle-recovery technique is
whole-body cryotherapy, which involves exposure to extremely cold
temperatures for a very short amount of time, usually one or two
minutes.
“Learning how to embrace the discomfort within the cold and heat has had a profound change on my life,” Roumell says. “Contrast therapies will reconnect you to the power of your mind, your breath and your belief in your body’s magnificence. After all, when you are finished sitting in a 34-degree tub for two to 10 minutes, what could possibly be much harder in your day?” ❧
David J. Sautter is a professional fitness writer for KnoWEwell and Natural Awakenings.
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