Move
FEELING SORE? HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO RECOVER FASTER.
Research has shown that what you do after your workout may be just as important as what you do during your workout in order to see the results you want. “It’s a balance,” says Lisa Schale-Drake, Director of Training at barre3. “When you work your body really hard, you create micro-tears in your muscles. Proper recovery is what allows those muscles to heal, building new cells and ultimately increasing your overall strength.”
If this morning’s B3 class was a total burner, try one of these simple but so-effective steps so you’ll be ready to show up to your next class stronger than ever!
Stay hydrated. Drinking more water seems simple enough, right? But it’s surprisingly easy to forget, so for best results, be sure to bring a bottle to class with you. “When you work out, you’re exerting a lot of energy, and your body can become dehydrated—which becomes a ripple effect for so many things,” Lisa says. “Drinking water flushes out your system and refuels and rehydrates everything.”
Walk it out. “I’m a big fan of walking after a workout,” Lisa says. “A gentle, 15-minute walk can help loosen up your joints, get your blood pumping and give you some quality outdoor time.” Not only will you feel more relaxed afterward, but you’ll also be better prepared to move again.
Roll out. There are benefits to rolling your muscles out both before and after you exercise. “Spending a few minutes with a foam roller could improve your range of motion, increase flexibility, prep your body for whatever workout you’re about to do, and help alleviate any muscle tightness/soreness you’re feeling afterwards,” Lisa explains. It’s great to give your whole body a rollout every now and then, but if you want to just target a few areas after your next B3 workout, she recommends focusing on your lower body—hip flexors, quads and calves, in particular. Using a roller horizontally across your upper back is also a wonderful way to open up your chest, which is chronically tight in pretty much everyone.
Have a snack. The right balance of food can aid in your muscle recovery. Within a few hours after your workout, reach for a whole-food-based snack that contains carbs, potassium, and protein. No need to overthink it—a simple banana with almond butter or a healthy smoothie will do the trick.
Take a bath. “For really sore days, taking an epsom-salt bath is a fantastic way to release your joints and muscles,” Lisa says. “It also calms you down and relaxes you, making it good for your body and your mind.”
What’s your favorite way to recover from your workouts? Tell us in the comments below!
Research has shown that what you do after your workout may be just as important as what you do during your workout in order to see the results you want. “It’s a balance,” says Lisa Schale-Drake, Director of Training at barre3. “When you work your body really hard, you create micro-tears in your muscles. Proper recovery is what allows those muscles to heal, building new cells and ultimately increasing your overall strength.”
If this morning’s B3 class was a total burner, try one of these simple but so-effective steps so you’ll be ready to show up to your next class stronger than ever!
Stay hydrated. Drinking more water seems simple enough, right? But it’s surprisingly easy to forget, so for best results, be sure to bring a bottle to class with you. “When you work out, you’re exerting a lot of energy, and your body can become dehydrated—which becomes a ripple effect for so many things,” Lisa says. “Drinking water flushes out your system and refuels and rehydrates everything.”
Walk it out. “I’m a big fan of walking after a workout,” Lisa says. “A gentle, 15-minute walk can help loosen up your joints, get your blood pumping and give you some quality outdoor time.” Not only will you feel more relaxed afterward, but you’ll also be better prepared to move again.
Roll out. There are benefits to rolling your muscles out both before and after you exercise. “Spending a few minutes with a foam roller could improve your range of motion, increase flexibility, prep your body for whatever workout you’re about to do, and help alleviate any muscle tightness/soreness you’re feeling afterwards,” Lisa explains. It’s great to give your whole body a rollout every now and then, but if you want to just target a few areas after your next B3 workout, she recommends focusing on your lower body—hip flexors, quads and calves, in particular. Using a roller horizontally across your upper back is also a wonderful way to open up your chest, which is chronically tight in pretty much everyone.
Have a snack. The right balance of food can aid in your muscle recovery. Within a few hours after your workout, reach for a whole-food-based snack that contains carbs, potassium, and protein. No need to overthink it—a simple banana with almond butter or a healthy smoothie will do the trick.
Take a bath. “For really sore days, taking an epsom-salt bath is a fantastic way to release your joints and muscles,” Lisa says. “It also calms you down and relaxes you, making it good for your body and your mind.”
What’s your favorite way to recover from your workouts? Tell us in the comments below!
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