As I shared last week, I am officially on a strength training journey! (read the initial blog here).
I am working out 6 days a week with 1 rest day. I lift 4 days a week and have 2 days of cardio.
As you can imagine, I am feeling sore!
I’m sharing with you steps I have taken to make sure my body is ready for the next day!
Here are some helpful tips on how to help your body feel its best
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don’t skip warming up and cooling down pre & post workouts
Even if it’s walking a couple minutes before and after, just do it!
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stretch
Stretch out before and after your workout, but I also like stretching at home too. Get yourself a yoga mat and you’ll be stretching in any room you want! Drew and I have his and hers mats – – I have a purple one and he has a blue one. Also, how awesome is this “After This We Are Getting Pizza” mat?! ok and these adorable marble & tropical palm mats?!
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roll out with a foam roller at home
Foam rolling increases blood flow, decreases recovery time after a workout, and helps with muscle movement by not allowing specific tissues to bind to your muscles. Rollers usually range from 12″ to 36″. I like my 36″ roller, but it’s totally up to your preference. They will all get the job done. If you’re feeling crazy and are a foam rolling pro, you can also look into ribbed rollers.
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drink tons of water
In addition to water being extremely healthy for everyone regularly, (read my hydration tips blog), it is very important when you are training. It hydrates you pre-workout, rehydrates you post-workout from water you lost via sweat, and helps flush lactic acid out of your system.
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eat healthy
You should all know this by now, but working out won’t give you the results you are looking for. Eating healthy will. If you’re working hard on your workouts but not eating properly, it will get you nowhere. Help your body feel its best and give it the proper nutrients it needs!
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take vitamins
Talk to your doctor about what would be best for you.
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get good sleep
Of course sleep recharges your brain. But, it also will help repair your muscles, tissues, and body. So make sure you’re getting enough of it!
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LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
This tip is MOST IMPORTANT. ALWAYS listen to your body and let your gut overrule any workout plan you are trying to stick to. If you feel like you need more rest days, give yourself more rest days. No one knows how your body is feeling other than you! Listening to your body and instinct will prevent injuries and give you the rest and recovery your body needs.
I hope these tips help you!
xoxo
