What to do to stop feeling tired after cardio

Tiredness after cardiovascular exercise -- such as bike riding, swimming or jogging -- can happen to anyone, no matter your age, gender or fitness level. Because fatigue can make even simple activities such as walking difficult, take some time to understand how you can treat fatigue after a cardio workout.

Get Hydrated

Dehydration can intensify fatigue after cardiovascular exercise. To combat tiredness, drink approximately three cups of fluids following your cardiovascular workout to rehydrate your muscles and help them to recuperate. Although water is an easy and convenient source of fluid, you can also get fluids from fruits, vegetables, soups, sports drinks that contain potassium and sodium, and even caffeinated beverages to help delay fatigue.

Eat Carbs

Eat a snack or small meal that is rich in carbohydrates following your cardiovascular workout. Because carbohydrates are used as the body's fuel during cardiovascular exercise, take steps to replenish them afterward to help speed up the muscle's recovery process and ease the feeling of tiredness. Try carbohydrate-rich foods such as whole-grain breads, legumes, edamame, garbanzo beans or fruits.

Cool Off

The temperature of the body increases -- sometimes to as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit -- during cardiovascular exercise. The body sends large amounts of blood to the skin to cool it off. This increase in temperature can overwhelm the circulatory system and cause fatigue. To combat this, cool off with cold water, seek shade to rest in and take off any unnecessary clothing to help the sweat evaporate from your body easier.

Go for Protein

Eating a protein-rich snack or meal within two hours of your cardiovascular routine can help refuel your muscles and keep your energy levels steady or elevated throughout the rest of the day. Pack high-protein snacks such as beef jerky or protein bars in your workout bag to munch on after you exercise. Or if you have time, sit down and eat some scrambled egg whites, cottage cheese, fruit or a peanut butter sandwich.