Tips to avoid burnout and recover faster in your fitness routine

We’ve all been there. The new year starts, you’re fired up about your fitness goals and by March… well, things get a little fuzzy. Maybe life got busy, or maybe you just don’t feel as excited about your routine as you did in January. The key to sticking with fitness long-term? Finding something that works for you.

That means choosing a workout that feels good — not just physically, but mentally. Love the outdoors? Trail running or hiking might be your thing. Prefer something lower impact? Yoga or swimming could be the perfect fit. Looking for intensity? HIIT, powerlifting or long-distance running might be where you thrive. The best workout is the one you enjoy and can stick with.

Building a sustainable routine isn’t about going all-in, all the time. Instead, aim for consistency over perfection. Balance high-intensity days with lower-impact movement, mix up your workouts to prevent boredom and — most importantly — prioritize recovery so your body stays strong and injury-free.

That brings us to the next key piece: recovery. Hydration, quality sleep, stretching and temperature therapy all play essential roles to keep you moving and feeling your best, but if you want to take your recovery to the next level, our experts have weighed in with their favorite products to help you bounce back faster and train smarter.

Recovery tips and expert-approved products

1. Fuel your recovery with the right nutrition

Gnarly Collagen Pro

“Since adding Collagen Pro to my supplements, I have felt a tremendous improvement in my recovery time and less strain on my knees specifically. (I run and boulder, so lots of high impact.) Perfect for any athlete looking to help their body recover and stay strong.”

Collagen is essential for joint and tendon health, especially for high-impact athletes. If you’re racking up miles or logging serious gym hours, adding collagen to your routine may help with recovery and longevity. 

2. Massage away soreness and loosen up tight muscles

Therabody Theragun Pro Plus

“I’ve worked in run specialty for 5.5 years and have seen a lot of recovery devices over the years, and the Theragun Pro Plus is hands down my favorite I’ve ever used. I’m primarily a runner, but also use cycling as a form of cross-training. I have loved using the Theragun before my activities to warm up and loosen up tight spots prior to exercise.”

Massage guns like the Theragun Pro Plus help break up muscle tension, increase blood flow and speed up recovery. Whether you use it pre-workout to loosen up or post-workout to ease soreness, percussion therapy can be a game-changer for staying injury-free.

3. Leg recovery for heavy training days ​

Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus

“The Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus redefines recovery, delivering pro-level leg rejuvenation anytime, anywhere. With fully wireless compression therapy, offering convenience and deep muscle relief. The customizable modes make post-workout recovery effortless.”

Hyperice Normatec Legs Recovery System

“I’ve been a fan of the Normatec leg compression boots system the whole time I’ve been working for my PT clinic. Finally took the plunge and got my own for home and they have been SO worth the investment.”

Compression therapy can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation and accelerate muscle recovery. Whether you’re logging heavy training miles or just need relief after a long day, these recovery systems help keep your legs fresh and ready for the next session.

Why fitness experts love being a part of ExpertVoice

Meet Dusten, a fitness and healthcare professional who has been on ExpertVoice since 2015. Hear from him about how his ExpertVoice membership helps him make better fitness product recommendations to his clients, why he loves participating in exclusive brand product sampling opportunities and more.  Watch his story here.