A year ago I posted a blog about discovering your own inner drive.  It was about making sure that your reasons for exercising are directly from you and not others.  Getting fit for somebody else will never work in the long run.  You need to clarify your goals and have them in mind as you train.   You can review that blog here.

What I would like you to focus on now is about what you do immediately after you train.   Often, you finish your workout and go back to work or head to the shower without a second thought.  If that’s the case, you are missing a prime opportunity to embody your original intensions and reap the exercise benefits.

Exercise releases chemicals such as serotonin, dopamin and endorphins into your body.  These help improve mood, enhance relaxation and after more intense sessions even help us feel euphoric! So, post workout is a time when we are happy, relaxed and clear…the perfect opportunity for mental focus.   The myriad of exercise benefits do not adhear to your body as you train, but during times of relaxation, meditation and sleep. So, immediately after you train, begin the process of recovery and rejuvenate with some rest time.

Here is a simple guide to help maximise the effectiveness of your sessions:

  • Firstly, allocate about 5 minutes extra time for this post workout relaxation.
  • Either lie on your back in a comfortable position or sit more upright with a relaxed mediative alignment. Focus on long, yet restful breaths.
  • Start by reflecting on the session. Briefly re-run it in your mind. Whether you felt it was the best session or the lousiest, you still did it.

Remember, progress can take time and every single session is a step towards improving your long term fitness and health.  Exercise may not always feel enjoyable, especially if you are just beginning, but it’s a great way to spend time and your body really appreciates it. Remember your intentions and quietly say thank you to yourself because you’re well on the way.  

  • If you have just finished a pilates routine, focus on the qualities of flexibility, suppleness and great postural alignment entering and settling into your body.  Image yourself with great posture, supple muscles and a graceful presence.
  • If you have completed a session of strength training, focus on the benefits of strong muscles, supportive bones and all the calories you continue to burn for the next 24 hours.  Relax and let these benefits travel through all your body’s tissues.  Imagine yourself effortlessly able to lift a pot in the garden or easily get out of a low sofa.
  • If you have finished a dynamic cardio session, then focus your attention on the health of your heart, lungs and lymphatic system.  Also how your stamina has been enhanced so the next time you come to walk up a steep hill it will be a breeze!

Basically, taking just 5 minutes at the end of your session for a little mental focus can go along away to ensuring your goals are more impactful. Then you can return to your day, relaxed and energised.

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Restore Your Body Programme

My exercise programme is simple, affordable, time efficient, suits different levels of fitness and can be done anywhere. Just follow these guidelines:

 

1. Weekly exercise plan

  1. Once a week –  STRENGTH routine – 30 mins
  2. Once a week – CARDIO routine – 30 mins
  3. Twice a week – RESTORATIVE exercises  –  20 – 30 mins x 2
  4. Twice a week – RELAXATION – 20 – 30 mins x 2

2. Daily life

  • How your everyday movements can support your fitness and health
  • Simple and practical ways to improve your nutrition  

 

Videos and write ups like this can be found on the blog page for all the above 6 restore your body components. Simply search through the blog category that you want to do and go for it.  Good luck and enjoy your body…at rest and play!

Take care, thanks Danny