Rest- When Does Your Body Need It?

This one goes out to all you go getters, hustlers, and people on the move. It can be hard to slow down- can I get an AMEN?! To slow, rest, and allow for recovery can actually feel painful in itself, am I right? If you’re resonating with this already, then you need to continue reading, friend. 

When we exercise, we place stress on the body. Good stress, mind you, but nonetheless, our body works hard during these times. We expect our bodies to give 110% when we workout, and even outside of the session, we want to operate at our highest level. So let us think about this- can a car run on one tank of gas continually? Unfortunately no. This means we can’t either. We need to be refueled. We need replenishment. We need recovery.

stretch

Recovery allows the body to replenish energy stores and repair damaged tissues that happen when we workout (or when we are constantly on the go). It’s what allows us to keep going, because we regain the fuel and rest we need in order to move forward.

So how do you know when your body needs recovery?

Here are a few signs that you may need to rest, recoup, and regroup:

  1. You have no energy to complete your workouts

  2. Your muscles are constantly sore

  3. You feel fatigued, irritable, and moody

  4. You get anxious just thinking about a recovery day

  5. You are in pain during movement

These are simple, easy ways to realize it may be time for you to recover. Dr. Lauren Smith, Iron (WO)man runner, talks about the difference between pushing yourself and pushing through pain. If you feel like you’re pushing through pain, it’s time for a recovery day friend. 

walking

Lisa Collins, Certified Athletic Trainer, told us on episode 162,  that your body needs a full recovery week every 8 weeks. Yes, you read that right- a FULL WEEK! Other experts recommend taking at least one recovery day a week to let your body recoup. 

Recovery days don’t have to mean laying on the couch all day, either. We love recovery days that incorporate movement, stretching, and revitalization for your body. This might look like:

  1. Yoga, PiYo, Pilates

  2. Walking or hiking outside

  3. Stretching

  4. Foam rolling

  5. A massage

The list can go on. The point is that recovery is like a little self care gift for your body, and it will appreciate the present. While you might be hesitant now to give this a try, remember that it will allow you to be stronger, faster, and healthier in the long run.


Fitness, MindKatie Hakerecovery, fitness, self-care, stretch, muscle, health, womens healthComment