Tomorrow night, my sister & her two kids will be coming to town to visit for 10 days. I’m unbelievably excited & already have so many ideas for what to do while they’re here. One of the things on my list is to attend a Jazzercise class with my sister, who is an instructor.
I’ve been wanting to start putting effort into exercising lately, but I know that I have to really enjoy what I’m doing or else I won’t do it. I’m optimistic about Jazzercise as I’ve always loved dancing, but I have to admit I’m a little worried. I’m not in great shape, so starting to exercise seems a little overwhelming.
I’ve been doing some research to make sure that I can get a good work out without burning out after my first class, so I thought I’d share some of the best tips I’ve found with you!
1. Use a foam roller. Muscles can knot after being overworked, which can be painful and can cause scar tissue if left untreated. You can use a foam roller before a work out to relax your muscles in an attempt to prevent muscle cramps, or you can use it after the work out to continue preventative action or treat muscle knots that form.
2. Drink lots of water. The body struggles to repair itself after a work out if it is dehydrated. This seems pretty common sense, but many {myself included} still don’t drink enough water so it bares mentioning.
3. Take time off. Exercise pushes your body, and it needs time to build itself back up again. Don’t do the same workout for too many days in a row without rest or you will stop seeing progress as the body struggles to repair itself.
4. Get some protein. Researchers suggest eating a protein packed breakfast as well as around 20 grams of protein within 30 minutes post-exercise to help your body begin to build itself back up & prevent muscle loss.
5. Take an anti-inflammatory. As long as it’s okay with your doctor, research suggests that some anti-inflammatory drugs can help speed muscle recovery.
I’m excited to put these tips to good use next week- wish me luck!
What’s your top exercise recovery tip?
Note: This post was brought to you by Net Focus Media but all opinions are my own. Tips come from my own research using these articles. Be sure to check them out for more great tips!
Start slow. I have been told this time and time again!
Those are all great tips. Protein always helps me the most.
Sis, I can’t wait to see you! I know you’ll do great at jazzercise. And I have to share with you, after reading about these great tips I have to admit I did three of them this morning after teaching a double (2 hour long classes). Tons of water, protein shake and Aleve.
I’ll be taking time off soon enough and those foam rollers are awesome!
Yeah, I’ve been using a foam roller for years- just not actually exercising. Lol! I had back & hip issues during & after my pregnancy & used it for that all the time, but now I just use it for an easy & free back massage. 😛
great tips! esp the anti inflammatory!
Taking a daily vitamin also will help. I love all these great tips and follow them all when I work out
Yes! I totally forgot that one but totally agree.
That foam roller idea is genius! We’ll have to try that. My fiance and I are doing a fitness/diet plan – well, mainly just fitness for him since I’m still going through physiotherapy, LOL. Anyway, he’s been careful (And I’ve been strongly urging him) to ease into working out like you mention in tip 3. He has the tendency to really push himself with intense workouts every day and then can end up overdoing it and having to take a break. Much better to start slowly and let your body adjust instead of going 0 to 60! Have fun at your Jazzersize class by the way, I’ve always wanted to do something like that.
That’s exactly what I need to keep reminding myself. When I get motivated I get REALLY motivated & tend to push myself until I get hurt. That’s why I need to really focus on starting slow. I need someone like you reminding me of that all the time! 🙂 &Jazzercise is a blast, you should definitely check it out!
Take it from me: I “Pushed through” some pain on the stair machine while I was at the gym in 2010…2+ years later, I’m still recovering from a major knee injury. It’s way too easy to overdo it when you’re an overachiever like us, LOL! Be careful and stay safe!
Great tips. I am lucky and love water so I drink plenty of it daily.
Drinking lots of water and drinking a protein shake have always helped me the most!