Four Ways to Promote Workout Wellness by Boosting Your Energy Level, Pre- and Post-Activity

Thriving vs. Surviving

We know that a body in motion tends to stay in motion. But not everyone is a gym rat, marathon runner or bike enthusiast, etc. You owe it to yourself to make it your business to identify a physical outlet that works for you and keeps you active. Maybe it’s yoga, boxing, dancing, tennis or fencing, or perhaps a combination of a few. No matter what you come up with, finding an activity you connect with could make the difference between thriving and surviving.  

No matter your fitness status or level, you may be overlooking some key elements of general well-being involving proper rest, recovery and renewal, pre- and post-workout. Part of enhancing wellness on a regular basis is a commitment to recovery and relaxation. A post-workout routine helps to maintain optimum energy levels as we restore our vitality, which makes sticking to our chosen fitness plan a joy as opposed to a forced march.

Post-workout Routine

‍Allowing our bodies and minds to recover after a workout builds strength from in the inside out. The Natural Body Wellness Newsletter offers several tips on how to relax and unwind in the spa, as well as essential home care tips.

Here are some basic necessities for supporting yourself in the quest to remain active and stay well.

1. Stretching‍
   ‍The older we get, the more important it becomes to warm up our muscles before taxing them. Slowly get the blood flowing and protect yourself against injury with simple yoga stretches in a serene space. Flexibility and a wide range of motion should be the goals of your stretching practice. The likelihood of injuries increase with short, tight muscles. Stretching also creates the space for your brain to ease into workout mode. Leaving your work, worries and decisions for another time is stress-busting technique that sounds simple, but can take time to learn to do. As you feel loose, light and physically warmer, you’ll know when you’re ready to begin.
2. Hydration
   ‍No matter what you’re doing, dehydration has the power to make you feel slow, sad and tired. If you’re thirsty, your body is already dehydrated, which means it slips into crisis mode. The idea is to drink enough water so that you don’t experience thirst, which at some point, can make it feel physically impossible to accomplish any kind of exercise. Drink water before, during and after your workout. Of course, during any kind of strenuous activity, you should only sip water. But it’s important to replenish fluids as you sweat to avoid overheating.
3. Sleep
   The lack of proper sleep can creep into every aspect of your life and stop you in your tracks. The entire body needs sleep for proper recovery from everyday stress. It can also be dangerous to push yourself through the day in a sluggish state of exhaustion. If you’re not sleeping well, you owe it to yourself to enter a sleep study to find out if you have a sleep disorder (like sleep apnea) that requires treatment. Sleep disorders can lead to other more serious illnesses such as diabetes and cardiac issues.  
4. ‍Contrast Therapy
   ‍Aching muscles and bones can benefit from hot and cold therapy for both performance and recovery. Not only is it effective to either warm your muscles or take down inflammation with ice, but it can make you feel rejuvenated in a way you may not expect. From serious injuries to minor discomfort, alternate heat and ice.  

To enhance your rest and recovery from physical activity, visit one of Natural Body Spa’s locations in Georgia or Tennessee today.

Sources:
‍Stretching: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2020/03/31/why-you-should-do-stretches-every-day-and-the-right-way-to-do-it/?sh=4483b57d45b6
‍Fun ways to stay hydrated post-workout: https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/hydration-after-workout-not-water-beer#chocolate-milk
‍Pro Athlete’s Workout Recovery Tips: Well-rounded Wellness for Post-Workout: https://www.organicspamagazine.com/a-pro-athletes-workout-recovery-tips/
‍Natural Body Wellness Tips: https://www.naturalbody.com/spa-services/natural-body-wellness-newsletter