We all have busy schedules but taking time to take care of yourself and your body can be so beneficial! A recovery day can prevent injury and allows your muscles proper time to rest and repair. Our bodies instinctively know what we need and it's so important that we honor these feelings. Here are some of The Sculpt Society team’s favorite ways to allow ourselves time to reset and recover, both physically and mentally.
Stretch It Out
Stretching—a key element of any workout routine, yet something we often skip—is the cornerstone of a productive recovery day. Not only does stretching help increase flexibility, but it’s also essential in reducing post-exercise muscle soreness and stiffness. Best of all, you don’t have to spend an extended period of time stretching in order to feel the benefits. Take the time to give back to your body; you can start small with 5-10 minutes a day, when you’re watching TV or before bed. We love adding Megan’s 7-Minute Stretch to our daily routines, and you can find our entire library of guided stretching videos here.
Outdoor Walk
Recovery does not mean you have to stay stagnant all day long. If daily movement is something you like to practice, consider going for a long walk as a low-impact activity on your rest day. Put your children in the stroller, your dog on a leash, and head out on your favorite route. We love to utilize walking as a way to connect with ourselves as well as other people, so next time you’re out on a walk try giving your long-distance bff a phone call or catch up with a family member who you haven’t spoken to in awhile. If you want to turn your walk up a notch, use your TSS 1lb weights around your ankles or wrists!
Practice Yoga
Incorporating yoga into your recovery not only works additional muscles you might not activate in higher-impact workouts, but it also helps calm your mind and de-stress. Learn about the importance of breathing, being intentional in your movement, and the advantages of slowing down throughout each class. We love to use yoga as a way to feel more connected to ourselves intrinsically. Get grounded and feel good by trying Tracey’s 17-Minute Yoga with Core Focus or 27-Minute Restorative Yoga to Destress.
Engage Your Mind
Fitness and working out is not only about physical stamina, but also mental stamina. It takes a lot of energy and brain power to commit to a workout routine, finish strong on each exercise, and consistently move your body in a way that feels good to you. Train your mind like you train your body by reading a chapter from an inspirational book, trying prompted journaling, or learning a new skill like speaking another language.
Try Meditation
What better way to slow down and show yourself appreciation than through meditation? In The Sculpt Society app, you can find a few amazing guided meditations that will help you to manage your stress levels and become more present in your life. Some of our most beloved TSS Meditation’s are Kelsey Patel’s 6-Minute Stress Release class if you’re looking for a restful night’s sleep, and Ameerah Omar’s 15-Minute Emotions Meditation when looking to enter a place of mindfulness.
