I used to think the way to get stronger was through working out.
And was I going to do that? Not likely! And the times that I did ‘work out’, by getting red in the face at some boot camp style class, I often felt worse over time. Not stronger.
The truth is, we don’t get stronger from our workouts, we get stronger BY RECOVERING from our workouts. If you’re currently making more withdrawals from your body’s ‘bank account’ then making more withdrawals by putting yourself through an intense workout is only going to break you down more.
So how do we make deposits to our body’s ATM?
- Sleep – you knew this one right? Both in quality and quantity!
- Stress Management – reducing or eliminating chronic stressors, and recovering from acute ones through practices such as breathing, yoga, journaling….bubble baths, a killer Sudoku…whatever floats your boat!
- Nutrition – who knew? Eating a well balanced, whole foods diet, rich in your essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals….all the stuff our body needs to build a stronger you
- Movement – Yes! Movement can be restorative! Motion IS lotion. Just make sure it’s something that helps build you up, rather than break you down.
What deposit will you make today? Tell me in the comments below. For me, I am going to take a 20 min light walk and sleep when my baby goes to sleep tonight.