We don’t usually think about our muscle health, but here’s why that’s important, along with tips to take care of your muscles so they take care of you.
It's 'Love Your Body' Month here at Her365 Fitness and I'm curious: how often do you show your muscles some love?
I am asking you this because we expect our muscles to be able to perform for us at a second’s notice. But what do we do to actually take care of them so that they can perform when we need them?
So many of us play the “walk it off” game – either pushing through little “tweaks” or ignoring them – and we can start to think that our muscles don’t even NEED care.
But they do, especially if you want them to move with ease and perform at a high level! And who doesn’t want that?
Here’s the truth: Taking care of your muscles will have big payoffs now and into the future and it will benefit your entire body. Plus, it feels GREAT!
Here are a few steps you can take starting today to make your muscles happier:
→ Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water every single day (i.e., if you weigh 150 lbs., drink 75 ounces). This will help your body transport much-needed electrolytes and minerals to your muscles to help them function properly. Plus, it will make it easier to flush out the waste from your muscles.
→ Warm-up before you work out. Do some bodyweight exercises, squats, lunges, arm and leg swings, and movements that mimic what you’ll be doing for exercise. “Cold” muscles (i.e., without a lot of blood flow due to being warmed up) are not as pliable … and that means they are more prone to injury!
→ Make time for flexibility. It can be tempting to shrug off flexibility work because it doesn’t seem as productive as a workout that makes you sweat. The fact is, if you want to be even more effective during your workouts, it’s important to be able to use the full range of motion during your exercises. Flexibility helps with this! Plus, if you want to stay limber and agile as you get older, you definitely want to get a headstart on that now! Spend a few minutes stretching out after your workout, or at night as part of your evening routine.
→ Eat a balanced diet packed with whole foods (proteins, healthy fats, and healthy carbs). These will give your muscles the fuel to power through your daily activities, as well as the nutrients necessary to recover, repair, and grow.
Take a few minutes every day to thank those muscles of yours. They work hard for you!
If you want to ramp up your progress, we’d love to help! Learn more about how to care for your muscles in our M.B.A. Wellness Workout Thursdays, at 6:45 pm. Led by ACE-certified personal trainer, Bianca Torres, you'll stretch and strengthen your muscles in a workout that is perfect for all levels. Find out more and reserve your spot → HERE ←
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