After a workout I like to reward myself. I think everyone should reward themselves after working out. This is especially important when the workout went really well and/or you're especially beat. Even when it doesn't go well, reward yourself, you got out there and did something, that deserves a reward. However, I've gotten into the habit of rewarding myself with things that are also good for me. My reward has two parts: my after workout drink and a relaxing shower (maybe with pampering!).
My after workout drink is chocolate milk. Yes, I'm a 6 year old inside. Actually chocolate milk is one of the best things you can drink after a workout. It has protein, carbs, it replaces lost fluids, and has the bonus of calcium! Don't get me wrong, I drink water by the bucket but right after my workout I grab the whole milk, the nesquik and make myself a big glass of chocolate milk. Since it's sweet I satisfy my insatiable sugar craving (I LOVE candy) and I'm helping out my body to recover faster. It covers all the bases! If you want to know more plug "chocolate milk after a workout" into any search engine and see for yourself!
The second part, my shower, is how I get out of workout mode. Of course I shower regularly but typically it is fast and utilitarian. I do not dawdle, I do not take a long time, I do not pass go, and I do not collect $200 dollars. After a workout though I take time to have a really nice relaxing shower. That is also the time where I use any shower or bath treats that I inevitably will have as gifts from Christmas's past. I treat it like a mini spa time. This part I can't always do because sometimes I work out before I've started my day thus I have to get ready for work at some point. However, this time is when I soothe my muscles and relax myself back into the day. It's a necessary end to the workout but I treat it like a reward.
The point isn't really that your reward be big it's that you have a reward, a healthy one. Some people treat workouts and their free pass to do unhealthy things later. That isn't how it works. My rewards serve the purpose of making me feel good about my workouts and making my complete them. If I need something to motivate myself during my workout I can think about my big glass of chocolate milk and my cucumber melon scented bath gel. It always makes me work hard. So find a routine and treat yourself! It will make your workouts always feel rewarding.
