WELLNESS WEDNESDAY- NEW WEEKLY SERIES ON BECKSLIVESHEALTHY
I’ve been struggling with what content I want to bring to my blog lately. More recipes? More workouts? or just more general wellness tips? There’s so much I want to share with you guys, but I don’t know where to start so I figured a weekly Wellness Wednesday post would be perfect that way I can share it ALL!
This week we’re going to chat about ACTIVE REST DAYS.
I must admit a few years ago I never took a rest day. When I started seeing results, it was really easy to get caught up in those results. I wanted to continuously push myself to achieve more and more.
Unfortunately, pushing yourself in the gym seven days a week can leave you tired, burned out, and at a high risk for injury. You can also interfere with your results when you don’t give your muscles time to recover. That’s why it’s important to schedule an active recovery day.
Planning an active recovery on your rest days is a great way to give your body a break without being totally sedentary. Once in a while I do enjoy those do nothing days- actually I had one this past Sunday. I think I took two naps and caught up on all my favorite shows that just came back on TV. Those do nothing days, also known as passive recovery days, only happen about every 2 or 3 months. I usually prefer active recovery days instead. Why? Well I really love getting outside and enjoying the scenery around me. Active rest days are also really good for you! They help your muscles recover by increasing blood flow to the muscles and tissues without putting a heavy strain on them. Active rest days are also a good mental break from intense training!
So what is active recovery? It’s a workout performed at a lower intensity or lesser resistance than your regular workouts.
I personally like having an active recovery day on the weekends- usually Sunday! It encourages me to try new activities too.
Vacation is also good time for active recovery! It’s a great way to explore and try new activities!
Ok now let’s get into my favorite ACTIVE RECOVERY DAY ACTIVITIES. Hopefully it gives you guys some new options for your next active rest day!
- Walks with Leo
- Hiking (low or moderate intensity)
- Paddle boarding
- Beach Cruiser Rides
- Kayaking
- Yoga
- Mobility and Maintenance work- working with resistance bands, foam rolling, dynamic stretching (my whole Move With Strength Functional Training Program has a whole section of mobility work)
- Swimming
Now I would love to know, what are your favorite active rest day activities?
