Sometimes what you need the most to get in shape (excitement, energy, and motivation) can be exactly what ends up sidelining you unexpectedly once you get started. Going after a workout with everything you've got is a good thing, but if you step too far out of your comfort zone all at once you risk ending up too worn out the next day (or days) to keep up the efforts. A skipped workout is a missed opportunity, plus there's always a chance just one missed workout will turn into several missed workouts, or worse yet the end of your plans altogether.

Recovering from a workout as efficiently as possible is obviously a pretty valuable thing to know how to do, and this list of 10 tips includes both common ideas and off-the-wall ones, so you're sure to find something that works for you:

• Have a workout shake immediately after your workout. Something with a 2-to-1 mix of carbs and protein is your best bet.
• Take a contrast bath immediately after your workout. This is one of those "off-the-wall" ideas, and if you try it you'll have to let us know if it works or not. It's from ancient Eastern techniques and means taking a shower or bath of alternating hot and cold water for 1 minute each for up to 10 minutes total. This is supposed to stimulate recovery.

• Be careful not to limit your carbs too much. For optimal performance and growth your body needs a solid balanced diet, carbs included.
• Take regular naps. During sleep your body can work on rebuilding and repairing muscle tissue, so taking a power-nap daily can really improve your progress (not to mention your energy level!).
• Sleep eight to ten hours per night. 10 hours seems like a bit much, but if you need it then you need it. I think the lesson here is to get enough sleep, whatever that may be for you. Getting enough sleep increases your metabolism and allows your body to truly function at its best.
• Stretch on your off days too. It's quick, it's easy, and you'll feel so much better. Stretching helps increase blood flow to your muscles and body parts so nutrients can get through to help you feel better faster.
• Reduce stress whenever and wherever you can. Stress affects all parts of your life, including your physical health.
  
• Get massages regularly. As much as I'd love to it's just not financially reasonable for me to get one every week like they suggest, but the idea is sound. Massages relax you, reduce stress, increase blood flow, and can serve as a reward for weekly workout goals met.
• Alternate heavy workouts with recovery workouts. Doing the same but much lighter version of a strenuous workout the day after can help accelerate your recovery by increasing blood flow to the targeted muscles.
• Take a workout vacation, every 10 weeks or so. Taking a break after a long stretch of strenuous activity can help your body come back better than ever.