FITNESS ARTICLES
RECOVERY METHODS.
These keep the body active without overloading it:
Active Recovery Workouts: Light cycling, swimming, or walking the day after hard training.
Mobility & Stretching: Dynamic warmups before and static stretching after workouts.
Foam Rolling / Self-Myofascial Release: Helps release muscle tightness and improve blood flow.
Yoga/Stretching Practice: Enhances flexibility, mobility, and core strength while reducing stress.
Eccentric/Controlled Movements: Low-load body control exercises to reinforce patterns.
The most powerful recovery tool:
7–9 Hours Per Night: Deep sleep supports hormone regulation (especially growth hormone).
Sleep Routine: Consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
Sleep Environment: Cool, dark, and quiet room with limited blue light before bed.
Power Naps: Short naps (15–30 minutes) during the day can aid CNS recovery.
Fueling the body with the right nutrients:
Protein: Supports muscle repair (e.g., lean meats, chicken, fish, egg whites, legumes, protein powder). Aim for .8g per lb of lean body weight per day
Carbohydrates: Replenishes glycogen stores (sweet potatoes, oats, fruit, rice).
Healthy Fats: Reduce inflammation (avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, fatty fish, egg yolks).
Post-Workout Meals: Aim for a protein + carb-rich meal within 1–2 hours post-training.
Hydration: Electrolytes and water to support cellular function and performance. .5oz per lb. of bodyweight on non-training days- .75oz per lb. of bodyweight on heavy training days.
(Not a substitute, but helpful when used correctly):
Protein Powder: Convenient source of high-quality protein.
Creatine Monohydrate: Supports muscle recovery and performance.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduce inflammation and joint pain.
Magnesium: Helps with muscle relaxation, sleep, and nervous system regulation.
Zinc: Supports recovery and immune function.
Vitamin D: Essential for immune health and muscle function (especially in winter).
BCAAs / EAAs: May reduce muscle soreness in some athletes, though mixed evidence.
Training is as much mental as it is physical:
Breathwork: Box breathing, nasal breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing to calm the nervous system. Vital during rest efforts, post workout, and during the day/times of stress.
Meditation: Supports mental recovery and stress regulation. Aim for 10-30 min per day.
Cold Exposure (e.g., Ice Baths): Reduces inflammation and soreness (timing matters). 2-3 times per week, 1-3 mins per exposure, 45-55 degrees. Post workout or in the morning.
Heat Therapy (e.g., Sauna): Increases circulation and relaxation; supports recovery. Post workout when possible or in the morning.
Contrast Therapy (Hot-Cold): Stimulates circulation and may reduce muscle soreness.
Journaling or Gratitude Practice: Helps regulate emotions and mental fatigue. Create a daily routing, great for morning routines or evening routines.
Add-ons that can support recovery:
Chiropractic Care/Massage/Manual Therapy: Relieves muscle tension and improves mobility. Creates a better foundation, regulates nervous system, and much more.
Compression Garments: May reduce soreness and aid circulation post-training.
Percussion Tools (e.g., Theragun): Targets muscle knots and improves blood flow.
Normatec / Pneumatic Compression Devices: Used to flush out metabolic waste.
Training stress adds to life stress:
Time in Nature: Walking barefoot or sitting outdoors improves mood and recovery.
Social Connection: Positive relationships can reduce cortisol levels and improve mood.
Limit Alcohol & Excess Caffeine: Can impair sleep and recovery.
Work-Life Balance: High work stress = slower recovery. Mitigate stress anywhere possible.
Want more help? Contact me.
See ya out there!
Coach D.
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Follow Our Plan
Exercise at least 3x/wk, follow our nutrition steps, communicate with your coach.
Follow Our Plan
Exercise at least 3x/wk, follow our nutrition steps, communicate with your coach.
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Love the way you look, feel strong, fit, and live more active.
Reach Your Goal
Feel more confident about yourself, enjoy the process of working out, grow with others in community, and TRANSFORM!
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roots in the Bellingham community and help to
make a difference in the lives of people we work
with as they make a difference in ours.
Phone:
(360) 317-2055
Email:
daniel@wildwoodsstrengthconditioning.com
Address:
3115 Mercer Ave Suite 105, Bellingham WA 98226