When it comes to training, remember that more training doesn’t always translate into more results. Instead, the best thing you can do for your body is to take some time to rest. Your recovery habits can keep you training well and progressing from workout to workout. Good recovery also helps you avoid overtraining syndrome, injury, or loss of motivation.
Here are three factors that can contribute to good recovery after a workout:
1. Sleep Habits
Not only is sleep a simple way to aid recovery, but it’s also free. Sleep is the optimal time for your body to recover. All kinds of amazing processes happen while you sleep. Your individual sleep needs will vary based on your lifestyle, workout schedule, and genetic makeup. When it comes to quantity, most people benefit from seven to ten hours each night. As far as the quality of your sleep, you can help your body prepare for sleep by going to bed at the same time each night and making the room as dark as possible.
2. Recovery Fuel
Recovery fuel includes what you put in your body both before and after a workout. The foods you choose to eat before and after a workout will vary with your preferred food choices or specific diet regimen (ex. Paleo, keto, no sugar, gluten-free, etc.) Take some time to create a meal plan for the week and shop according to the plan. Meal prepping helps you keep healthy food choices on hand so that you don’t wind up grabbing a candy bar or a bag of potato chips.
3. Mobility Work
If you’re not able to perform a movement with proper body mechanics because your range of motion isn’t so great, then you might be causing unnecessary stress on your body. How can you improve your mobility? Approach this goal like any other fitness goal. Create a plan to work on the muscles and joints that could use some extra TLC and stick to it – even if it’s just 10 minutes a day to start. Stretch, and use a foam roller or lacrosse ball.
Cannon Fitness and Performance in Houston has a team of coaches dedicated to supporting you on your fitness journey – which includes recovery! To learn more about our programs and what our community has to offer, contact us today.