The Techniques That Keep You Training
With summer fast approaching, fitness programs are underway and everyone is working to get into shape for those highly beloved beach bodies. With so much emphasis on reaching desired results, people’s determination begins to become their downfall.
Often during this period people over train in belief that they will reach their goals quicker, which actually has the opposite effect. Getting rest after any form of physical exercise is fundamental to maintaining quality performance. With all of the stress that the body endures during activities, rest is necessary to replenish energy stores and to repair damaged tissues.
Even though it is proven how effective a good recovery regime can be, it is still the most neglected part of any training plan. It is no surprise that as a result of this people find themselves fighting through injuries and suffering missed sessions. It is at this point that training becomes massively frustrating as any progression previously made will be lost and had to be re-built.
Below we have provided you with the top components of recovery that you need to value and implement into your routine to keep you feeling fresh and ready to train.
#1. Nutrition
Arguably the most significant factor for anyone’s fitness goals is nutrition. It is impossible to give you the ideal diet to follow as everyone’s needs vary on a case by case basis. What may be relevant to you trying to build muscle, will be irrelevant to someone attempting to lose weight. Regardless of the end result, eating clean and balanced meals are proven to be the optimal way of staying healthy and progression physically. Consuming enough of the right calories allows your body to thrive. There are even protein powders that can be used as meal replacements and recovery aids to help you get nutrients into your body quicker. Simply put, food fuels our bodies and it is all about eating the right types of foods at the right times.
#2. Hydration
Dehydration can limit muscle and energy recovery. It is normal for your body to be dehydrated after participating in any type exercise. It is at this point where it is critical to replenish these diminished hydration levels to give your body what it needs. The benefits of being aware of hydration have a big impact on your performance levels. If your body’s needs aren’t met, it will lead to fatigue and ultimately hinder any advancement. For athletes, there is a big focus on addressing hydration and you often see them constantly being catered to by their coaches.
#3. Sleep
This is one of the most important ways to get your body to recover quickly from the demands of training. Everyone has individual requirements depending on their lifestyle and fitness program but getting enough sleep is crucial for everyone. If you don’t, your optimum improvement level cannot be achieved and your mood gets affected which causes a lack in motivation. Having a poor sleeping pattern or a consistent amount of insufficient sleep causes alterations in your hormone levels, which has a detrimental effect on your muscle rebuilding and stress levels.
#4. Stretching
Another performance sustaining action that is widely ignored is stretching. You need to flexible in order to move effectively during any activity. The muscles that are used during your exercise must always be targeted when stretching. By identifying these specific areas that may be tight, you can help loosen them and even repair them quicker after to reduce the effects of soreness. Dynamic stretching is recommended to be practiced prior to training typically during your warm up, whilst static stretching is best suited for post exercise relief.
#5. Time
Gathered that this tip seems like a given, it is still the most underappreciated component to stick to. It is understandable to be keen to want to push on and work hard but if you attempt to ignore rest periods, all you’re doing is not allowing your body to recover. Not only is it necessary for your muscles to have the time they need to rebuild and strengthen but is is also essential for your tendons, bones, and ligaments – which are highly vulnerable to overtraining – to have a break. The adequate time in between workouts and sessions does depend on your training demands but rest is the factor that you cannot cut short.
Summary
Respecting recovery gives you that edge. By taking on board these tips, you can introduce each part into your training to find out what element works best for your body and your regime. It will not only give you a performance enhancing advantage but it will increase your output and overall ability.
As mentioned, if you cut corners and undervalue the process then you’re more than likely going to be hit with an injury. Nobody wants to miss workouts or become fatigued as it will affect your everyday life and not just your performance. By putting that time and effort aside to recover correctly, you will immediately reap from the benefits.
Leave a Reply