Crushing Rest Days – Gear Up for Relaxation

Do you dream of conquering tough workouts and then crushing those rest days with ultimate relaxation?

 

Rest days are crucial for muscle repair and preventing injuries. Let’s dive in and explore how to push your limits while ensuring your body has the perfect environment to rebuild and rejuvenate, setting you up for continued success on your fitness journey.

 

Here’s how to make the most of them:

 

 

Comfortable clothing is key

 

Ditch the stiff gym clothes and embrace soft, breathable fabrics. Look for joggers or leggings made from modal, fleece, or terry cloth. Brands like Lululemon’s Align™ collection (e.g. Lululemon Align™ Pant or Align™ Short) or Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Midi Legging (e.g. Beyond Yoga Spacedye Midi Legging in Heather Cloud Navy) offer luxurious comfort.

 

 

 

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Supportive yet cozy tops

 

Don’t forget about your upper body! Opt for bralettes with light support, relaxed-fit tank tops, or cozy fleece long sleeves. Knix’s Marlow Bralette or Vuori’s Rest Day Long Sleeve are great options for prioritizing comfort and style.

 

 

 

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Prioritize quality sleep

 

Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body produces more ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and less leptin (the satiety hormone), hindering recovery and potentially leading to unhealthy food choices.

 

 

 

Enhancing Recovery: Gear Up for Relaxation

 

 

Now that you’ve prioritized rest, let’s explore tools to optimize muscle recovery:

 

Foam roller

 

A must-have for self-massage, foam rollers like the TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller help target tight spots and improve muscle flexibility. As you roll different muscle groups, apply gentle to moderate pressure and focus on areas that feel particularly sore.

 

 

 

 

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Massage gun

 

For a more targeted approach, consider a massage gun like the Theragun Mini. Percussive therapy can break up muscle tension and promote blood flow, aiding recovery. Use various attachments to target different muscle groups and adjust the intensity based on your needs.

 

 

 

 

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Massage chair

 

Sit back and unwind with a massage chair that mimics the feeling of a professional massage, easing tension and promoting relaxation. While these can be a significant investment, some gyms or recovery centers offer them as an amenity. Consider checking out brands like Human Touch or Osaki.

 

Human Touch WholeBody 7.1 Living Room Recliner Massage Chair

 

 

 

 

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Massage balls

 

Similar to a foam roller but smaller and more portable, massage balls can target specific trigger points and tight areas. Lacross balls are a popular choice due to their firmness. A good option is the TriggerPoint Lacrosse Ball. Lean against a wall and use your body weight to apply pressure to targeted areas.

 

 

 

 

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Compression socks

 

These socks apply gentle pressure to your legs, improving circulation and reducing post-workout muscle soreness. Compression socks come in various lengths and pressure levels, so choose a pair that fits your needs and preferences. Look at brands like CEP or Swiftwick.

 

 

 

 

 

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Theraband

 

Don’t underestimate the power of gentle stretching! A Theraband, such as the Theraband CLX Exercise Band, can be used for various stretches and mobility exercises to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness. Focus on holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds and repeating 2-3 times per side.

 

 

 

Finding the perfect workout routine and recovery techniques takes time and experimentation. Listen to your body, prioritize consistency, and don’t be afraid to explore different tools and approaches. With dedication and the right knowledge, you can achieve your fitness goals and experience the joy of an active lifestyle.