As one challenge ends and we prepare for the next challenge ahead, it is important to integrate tools for recovery to repair and condition your muscles. This month on Fluidform Loves, I will explore the importance of recovery and how to release tension, relieve muscle tightness and maximise our results.
SWEAT
Sweating promotes circulation around your body from your organs to your muscles and tissue. Sweating helps to flush out lactic acid, to alleviate soreness and aid your recovery process. And you don’t have to workout to work up a sweat.
- Try integrating other forms of exercise to increase blood flow and boost your heart rate. Fast walking, cycling and swimming are great forms of movement for recovery.
- Utilising near, mid and far infrared wavelengths, infrared saunas help to repair tissues, joints and muscles faster to enable you to return to the activities you love. Integrating a weekly Sunlighten Infrared Sauna into my routine has helped to combat muscle soreness and inflammation after a workout. Beyond the physical benefits, 40 minutes to switch off from technology and work helps to relax my mind, feel present and restore my focus.
It’s important to support any sweat-session with hydration. Aim to drink 2L of water per day, throughout the day. We can lose a lot of fluids when we sweat, so it is important to restore hydration.
MOVE
When our muscles feel sore or tight, we are tempted to rest which can lead to cramping and further tightness or pain. Even on rest days, it is important to integrate gentle, considered movements to promote blood flow through the muscles and oxygen through the body to aid with recovery.
Not sure where to start?
Explore over 20 stretch-specific workouts, programmed to relieve muscle tension and tightness to move well, free of pain. Aim to stretch three times a week to maintain your active workout routine.
NOURISH
After exercise, our muscles require adequate protein and nutrients to properly recover, grow and maintain strength.
Did you know?
Studies suggest that beetroot may help to speed up muscle recovery due to its high concentration of nitrate. Nitrates have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which improve oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Try adding beetroot to your next smoothie, or pair this beetroot hummus with your favourite salad or sandwich.
