Gallery: Hard Training Day? Recover With This Easy 10-Minute Workout

After a killer workout, you might be tempted to sleep in--all day. Recovery days are very important to maintaining high metabolism and getting muscle gains. But, that doesn't mean you should delve into a self-induced sleeping coma. Instead, try incorporating active recovery into your fitness routine!

According to Richard Chan at Bodybuilding.com, "Active recovery will assist you in taking maximum advantage and prepare you mentally for your next strenuous workout." You must give your muscles time to repair themselves, but active recovery actually increases blood and oxygen flow to every part of the body. On your days off from training, engage in activities that are much less strenuous. It is important to choose activities that get you stretched out and moving. For some, it is light yoga and some leisurely walking. For others, a short bike ride does the trick.

Here is a 10-minute routine you can do first thing in the morning to energize you while relieving some soreness. Do each exercise for the prescribed amount of time and move onto the next. Perform this entire circuit twice with one 10 second rest break between the first and second circuit. The goal is time, not repetitions. Listen to your body and do what you can. If you want to grab a shower and a snack when you're done, you'll be able to do it guilt-free!