Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been talking about simple things you can do to boost your results …
And this one is surprisingly effective.
It can help you “hack” your way to less stress, happier moods, and better workout results (plus less soreness).
Here it is: Don’t skip your post-workout cooldown or stretches!
Your cooldown has powerful implications for your health … right down to your central nervous system.
I know you’re busy
and want to jet off when your workout is over, but it’s absolutely worth taking a few extra minutes to wind down after your workout.
What you do during
your cooldown will depend on your workout, but here are some basic guidelines:
COOLDOWN PHASE
#1:
→ If you just did a cardio or
high-intensity workout, spend at least 5 minutes gradually returning your heart rate to normal by slowly reducing the intensity of your movements (walking, cycling, etc.).
This can help stop blood from pooling in your extremities, which can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint.
→ If it was a strength-training workout, (optional) you could hop on an exercise bike, treadmill, or elliptical if you are working out in a gym or go for a walk if you are working out at home. This will help avoid post-workout soreness.
COOLDOWN PHASE #2: Where the real magic happens!
After exercising, your muscles are warm and pliable, which makes it a GREAT time to work on your flexibility.
Stretching helps:
- Prevent soreness
- Improve mobility
- Improve your posture
- Improve flexibility & your range of motion
- Cut your risk of injury
- Increase blood flow
- Relieve tension and
stress
- Promote relaxation
Not to mention the fact that it just plain feels good to stretch after a workout!
If you normally skip your cooldown, try it for a few weeks and see if you notice a difference.
At BeFit, we have a few options to help you move better and feel better.
For women who want to drop at least one dress size in 12 weeks without feeling deprived, I have 3 options to help you lose fat, build muscle with fun effective training sessions that work WITH your body and not against it!
Option 1 – Personal Training 12 Week Transformation Program
Option 2 – LIFT 12 Week Transformation Program
Option 3 – 8 Week Body Confidence Bootcamp
For anyone returning to exercise after an
injury or surgery then my 8 Week Pilates courses may be the best way for you to restart. Pilates helps to strengthen your core muscles which in turn will help you to improve posture, mobility, balance, strength and flexibility.
Pilates exercises, alongside regular weight training helped me recover from a shoulder injury! This time last year, my consultant was talking about me having surgery as I was in so much pain!! I no longer need an operation and am pain free!
I mean it when I say I can help you move better and feel better. I am living proof!
If you would like to learn more about any of the above programs, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Committed to your success,
Nicki
xx
PS: Joanna has been attending my Pilates
sessions for several years and this is an e-mail she sent me recently! I really do love helping people move better and feel better!
“That was a brilliant class tonight and I 😊 loved it ! Thank you so much.
I keep meaning to tell you just how much better my shoulder is. That was my reason for starting Pilates all those years ago. You have achieved miracles and I am so glad I have stuck with you. My shoulder is so very much better when various physios etc could not do a thing.
Joanna x”
REFERENCE:
www.researchgate.net/publication/274517864_Acute_Changes_in_Autonomic_Nerve_Activity_during_Passive_Static_Stretching
