How to Incorporate Stretching & Recovery into your Daily Routine

Recovery after hard workouts, or a stressful week of work is extremely important for maintaining youthfulness and stress management. It is also key for preventing injuries, especially if you are an athlete. I am a non competitive runner, and I believe that recovery is just as important as training. If you don't take care of your body, it won't perform to it's highest potential!

A lot of people feel they don't have the time to stretch in their busy schedules, or they simply just don't feel like doing it. However, if you make it apart of your daily routine, the process becomes a lot easier.

I like stretching and foam rolling before I go to bed, but I know others who like to do it in the morning. Have a hot shower, light a candle, and put on your favorite show while you stretch. Find what works for you and your schedule!

If you are new to stretching, I recommend trying youtube videos. These are a great guide & will probably introduce new ways of stretching you have never heard of!

Benefits of Stretching & Rolling

• Helpful for muscle soreness

• Reduces amount of lactic acid buildup after a hard workout

• Improved flexibility & mobility

• Lower risk of injury

• Restores elasticity in the fascia

• Improves athletic performance

• Lowers stress (the cortisol hormone!)

Some of my favorite recovery tools:

• Foam Roller- I recommend getting a couple. One that is softer, and one with spikes. They both are great, but for different areas! I love foam rolling my back & shoulders, glutes, calves, hamstrings, quads & IT bands.

• Massage Balls- lacrosse balls also work! These are great to roll out the bottoms of your feet & for getting deep into tight glute muscles.

• Massage Stick- If you are a runner, these are a must. One of my favorite ways to use mine is on my shins- it rolls them out and is great for preventing & treating shin splits. I also use mine on my calves & inner thighs.

• This package on amazon covers all the basics in one! https://www.amazon.com/Massage-Stretching-Lacrosse-Fasciitis-Giftable/dp/B07HM87DN6/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=spiky+foam+roller&qid=1596590268&sr=8-7

• Thera Gun- while these are expensive, they are so worth it. Massage guns are great for relaxing the muscles before and after a recovery session.

Happy Stretching! :)