Recover Smarter, Not Harder: How Grounding Can Supercharge Your Recovery

After a tough workout, we all know how good it feels to kick back, relax, and let our bodies recover. And sometimes, the best part of exercising is knowing you get a hard-earned rest afterward! No matter how you get there—whether you just hit Barry’s, went too hard at Dodgeball or completed an intense training session, recovery is where the magic happens; it’s pretty much a non-negotiable! It’s how muscles rebuild, soreness fades, and energy is restored so we can go out and do it all again.

While we love our R&R, sometimes that recovery holds us back more than we’d like. Our hack to getting back on track in a timely fashion? Grounding!

Athletes, weekend warriors, and fitness enthusiasts alike are always looking for ways to improve recovery, and we gotta recommend grounding.

The simple yet powerful practice that can help your body recover more efficiently by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and balancing your nervous system.

No, you don’t have to be a pro athlete to benefit from this (trust us, we’re not training for the Olympics over here). But the science behind grounding is compelling enough that even elite competitors are noticing. Today, we’re sharing some fascinating research about how it works and why it might just become your new favourite recovery tool.

What Is Grounding?

Grounding, A.K.A. Earthing, is the practice of connecting your body directly to the Earth’s natural electric charge. This can be done by walking barefoot outside, using a grounding mat, or even sleeping on a grounding mattress cover that mimics the effects of direct Earth contact.

Why does this matter for recovery? The Earth’s surface is rich in free electrons, which can help neutralize inflammation, support muscle repair, and regulate stress responses. Research suggests that grounding may reduce markers of muscle damage and improve post-exercise recovery (Brown et al., 2015).

The Science Behind Grounding and Recovery

If you’ve ever woken up sore after a hard workout, you’ll know all about Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)—that stiff, aching feeling that sets in a day or two after intense exercise. DOMS is caused by microscopic muscle damage and inflammation, and grounding has been shown to reduce both.

1. Grounding Decreases Inflammation and Muscle Damage

A 2015 study published in the Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine found that grounded participants had significantly lower levels of creatine kinase (CK), a key marker of muscle damage, compared to non-grounded participants (Brown, Chevalier & Hill, 2015). Lower CK levels indicate less muscle breakdown and faster recovery.

Additionally, grounding has been linked to reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines—the same compounds responsible for muscle soreness after a tough workout (Menigoz et al., 2019).

2. Grounding Improves Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery

One of the biggest factors in recovery is circulation. Good blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to muscles, while metabolic waste (like lactic acid) is removed faster. Grounding has been shown to thin the blood and reduce viscosity, leading to better circulation and faster healing (Brown & Chevalier, 2015).

Studies also suggest that grounding may prevent exercise-induced dehydration and blood thickening, which often occur after intense activity (Müller et al., 2021).

3. Grounding Supports Sleep—The Ultimate Recovery Tool

Recovery isn’t just about what you do immediately after your workout—it’s also about how well you sleep. Poor sleep is linked to higher injury risk, slower recovery times, and increased muscle soreness. One study found that athletes who get less than six hours of sleep per night are 60% more likely to get injured than those who sleep at least eight hours (Chevalier et al., 2015).

Grounding helps regulate cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, which plays a crucial role in sleep. By balancing cortisol levels, grounding promotes deeper, more restful sleep—so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to move.

How to Incorporate Grounding Into Your Recovery Routine

That’s why we’re here! Grounding is easy enough and requires virtually no effort! Here are some ways to work it into your post-workout recovery routine:

1. Go Barefoot Outside

The simplest way to ground is by walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil for at least 15–30 minutes per day. If you’ve ever felt instantly relaxed after a beach walk or standing on fresh grass, that’s grounding at work.

2. Use a Grounding Mat

Can’t always be outside (Looking at you, Canada)? A grounding mat brings the benefits of Earthing indoors. Place it under your desk while you work, or stand on it after a workout to reduce inflammation.

3. Sleep on a Grounding Mattress Cover

Recovery happens while you sleep, so why not make it work even harder for you? A grounding mattress cover lets you absorb the Earth’s natural energy all night long, promoting better sleep and faster muscle repair (Müller et al., 2021).

4. Try Grounding Patches or Bands

For targeted recovery, grounding patches or wristbands can help reduce soreness in specific areas, like sore knees or tight shoulders. These patches connect directly to the Earth’s charge, similar to grounding sheets or mats.

Other Recovery Strategies That Pair Well with Grounding

While grounding is a powerful recovery tool, we try to combine it with other proven methods that can take our recovery to the next level. Try these:

Hydration & Electrolytes – Proper hydration helps flush out toxins and keeps muscles functioning optimally.

Foam Rolling & Stretching – Reduces tension and improves flexibility, aiding in muscle repair.

Infrared Heat Therapy – Increases blood circulation and speeds up tissue healing (Chevalier et al., 2015).

Cold Therapy (Ice Baths) – Helps reduce muscle inflammation and soreness after high-intensity workouts.

Proper Nutrition – A diet rich in protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats supports muscle repair and reduces inflammation.

Recover Better with Grounding

If you’re serious about feeling your best after workouts—a pro-athlete or someone who just enjoys moving your body—grounding is a game-changer for recovery. The research is promising: grounding reduces inflammation, improves circulation, supports sleep, and helps muscles repair faster. Plus, it’s free, natural, and easy to incorporate into your routine!

So, next time you’re winding down after a workout, try adding grounding to the mix!

Ready to start your Earthing journey? Check out Clint Ober’s official grounding products here: https://earthingcanada.ca/product-category/earthing-products/