Most people who are dedicated exercise enthusiasts have a very well thought-out exercise regimen. They know exactly when and how they will work out, what muscle groups they will target, the amount of strain they will place upon themselves, their fitness goals, their diet, and just about anything else pertaining to exercise.

That said, there are many problems associated with over-training. Signs of over-training are sub-standard results, possible injury, infection and colds, mood changes, changing sleep patterns and poor performance.

Today, many fitness experts posit that these problems are not a sign of over-exertion. Rather, they are a sign of under-recovery. By under-recovery, these researchers mean that devout exercisers are not allowing their body enough time to recuperate because they are not taking enough breaks between periods of strenuous exercise. These break periods are critical because they allow muscles to reinvigorate and regenerate -the tiny tears in the muscle need to repair and reform to allow increased strength and fitness..

These experts are recommending that serious athletes develop a recovery plan in addition to an exercise plan. This recovery plan is just as important as the exercise itself, and will greatly benefit and athlete's health and well-being.

Electro Muscle stimulation, or EMS, is one of several effective methods to encourage muscle regeneration. EMS works by pulsing a low level of electricity through a targeted muscle or muscle group. Typical EMS systems cost several hundred dollars and consist of a main unit and many electrodes wired to it. To use an EMS, the electrodes are applied to the body in targeted areas.

EMS is often used as a strength builder. In addition to a normal workout it can be quite effective. To use EMS to encourage muscle regeneration, you should set the unit a low intensity and high frequency. Doing so will improve blood circulation to a specific area. Using EMS as an aid to regeneration is particularly successful because it enables you to target specific muscle groups. After you have exerted these groups, you can apply EMS and accelerate the regeneration and recuperation process.

However, EMS alone is not the best way to recuperate. Exercise experts highly recommend combining EMS recuperation treatments with one or more different recuperation methods. Here is a quick rundown of a few of those methods.

Hydration

It is crucial that large amounts of water or electrolyte beverage be consumed during and after a strenuous workout. Glycogen is used at a higher rate when athletes don't hydrate adequately. This results in increased fatigue and a slow recuperation process.

Diet

During and after a workout, blood flows to muscles at a much higher rate than normal. This increased bloodflow (up to 50%) will continue for as many as three hours after the workout is over. During this time, the body is primed to ingest nutrients. Both carbohydrates and proteins are necessary. These nutrients will help an athlete maintain his or her energy level and better regenerate muscle tissue. Waiting longer than three hours after a workout to eat can greatly increase recuperation time.

Stretching

Stretching targeted muscle groups before and after a workout is essential for safety, performance and recuperation. Athletes are highly recommended to learn the best and most effective stretches for muscle groups they exercise in a given workout, and to rigorously use them.