The KYDRA Club

7 Ways to Freshen Up Post-Workout

That endorphin high you get from a good workout is great. And being able to step into the shower for a long, refreshing rinse feels just as fantastic. But there are days when you don't have the luxury of time to factor a lengthy routine into your busy schedules. So what should you do?

Feeling rejuvenated and relaxed even without a spa-like experience is possible and relatively easy. Here are some of our favourite ways to freshen up faster than you can raise your resting heart rate, all without compromising your hygiene and time! 

Before you start raising your heart rate, you can take a simple step to cut down your post-session routine: keep your hair off your nape!

Invest in a fabric hair tie and gather your hair into a ponytail or bun. This step will keep strands off your nape, keep you cooler, and prevent your hair from getting extra sweaty. Doing this before a workout saves precious time of you having to wash and blow-dry, iron, or style your hair before heading out to work.

Dry shampoo is a time (and life!) saver if you have short hair not long enough to tie up. It soaks up sweat, gives hair volume, and freshens your crowning glory sans shower! This product works if you tend to sweat more from your head too. Several brands sell dry shampoo with fragrance for that added "freshly bathed" feel. Apply the product to your roots for maximum effect. If you must use a blow-dryer, opt for the coolest setting. Style as usual. 

Need to run off for an appointment with no time to shower first? Although nothing beats taking a refreshing shower, deadlines and meetings happen. To prevent sweating after your workout, when you're done exercising, get your body down to a normal temperature to cool off. To do this, run some cool to cold water over your wrists, place something cold behind your neck, or stand in some cool air to help stop the sweating. Once you feel that your pores are done expelling sweat, you can start to freshen up. 

During your workout, avoid touching your face with your bare hands to lessen the transfer of dirt and possible bacteria. Instead, have a dry towel handy and use that to dab at the sweat on your face and neck.

Afterwards, wash off that workout sweat with cool water and a mild facial cleanser to prevent breakouts and skin irritation. A good cleanser will remove accumulated sweat and dirt without stripping your face of its natural oils. If you're prone to acne, consider using a product with Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide.

Post-workout skin tends to be more sensitive, so be gentle with your washing up and skip anything abrasive such as a rough washcloth or an exfoliant. Pat dry and then apply a lightweight moisturiser (one with some SPF is best). Give it some time to absorb before going about your make-up routine. 

Here's another tip for the time-starved! Have a packet of body wipes on hand for a quick "dry bath." Focus more on the bits that tend to gather sweat the most: armpits, behind the knees, the crease of your elbows, the genital area, and, yes, your feet. Finish off with some deodorant (an optional step, depending on personal preference).

We know that KYDRA’s Kyro Pocket Leggings II paired with our Livia Longline or Alexa Bra make for a super cute ensemble. The moisture-wicking fabric does help to keep you feeling cooler and less sweaty. These items are super versatile too. You can layer them with our loose-fitting Savannah Tank and go from workout to work mode in a flash - especially if you've had a gentle, less-sweaty exercise.

However, if you hit the gym for a heart-pumping HIIT session, we still recommend changing out of your sweaty clothes and into a fresh outfit as soon as you're done to avoid sweat rashes and bacterial or fungal infections. 

You're all set on the outside; now it's time to refresh on the inside.

Needless to say, staying hydrated throughout your routine is essential. But even afterwards, it is important to replace lost fluids and calories to replenish energy stores. Check out our limited-edition Kydra for Club Rainbow: FUN-raiser 600ml squeezable water bottle to stay hydrated any time of the day. We donate the proceeds from this bottle to Club Rainbow (CRS), an organisation that supports and empowers children suffering from chronic and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

While water is the best form of hydration, keep in mind to stay away from caffeine and carbonated drinks. You can also reach for (surprise, surprise) low-fat chocolate milk instead. About sixteen ounces right after working out helps rebuild muscles after exercising. It also has a good amount of protein and amino acids. Pair it with a banana or a peanut butter sandwich, and you have a deliciously healthy snack to keep you going. 

You can also add these steps for that post-exercise glow if you've got some extra time on your hands

• Face mists are infused with different ingredients; all formulated to give your skin a little pick-me-up. Opt for one with antioxidants. 
• Mouthwash might not feel like it has anything to do with working out, but some people find that that fresh and minty mouth feel helps give that clean feeling.
• Spritz your favourite perfume, and you're good to go!

You can also add these steps for that post-exercise glow if you've got some extra time on your hands.

Whether you're sneaking in a run before heading to work, popping out during lunch break to hit the gym, or have a yoga class to attend before a Girls' Night Out, we hope that you've discovered that it is completely possible to feel refreshed and ready for the next part of your day! 

General Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of KYDRA. Any content provided by our writers are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any organization, company, individual and more.