Do you have a fitness New Year’s resolution? If you’re committed to hitting the gym to get your year off on the right foot, you might also want to think about how you are recovering from your sweat sessions. There is so much emphasis placed on how to train your body for strength and endurance, but what you do post-workout to recover is just as important. Tools like acupuncture, cupping, and mineral supplements will not only help you feel good but also allow you to train even harder.
Acupuncture
There’s a reason this Eastern practice has been around for centuries. Frankly, it works. Acupuncture is a great way to move stagnant energy in the body. It’s also been found to be an excellent tool for calming the nervous system and managing pain. Regarding workout recovery, it stimulates the nerve fibers in your skin and muscles to activate healing. It also eases pain caused by delayed onset muscle soreness from particularly intense workouts. You might feel These aches and pains two to three days after a training session. This practice also promotes better blood flow to aid in detoxification. The best part is acupuncture releases endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin - aka the feel-good hormones.
Minerals
One of the pillars of SWW® is mineralizing. This is why we invented our SWW® Restore Minerals. While we usually recommend taking your minerals before bed to lull you to sleep, we also love taking them after a hard workout. The formula is great for replenishing the body after a big sweat.
- B12: to give you a boost of energy.
- Magnesium: to calm your nervous system, which can be stressed after pushing yourself to the limit at the gym.
- Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate: to help neutralize acid buildup in the body after strenuous activities.
Taking minerals after your workout doesn’t mean skipping them before bed (depending on when you worked out). The best bodily recovery happens while you sleep, and our SWW® Restore will help you fall asleep and stay asleep so you can wake up energized to conquer your day and your next workout.
Cupping
While the after-effects of cupping might look intense, we assure you that it is definitely one of our favorite ways to recover. Cupping is another Eastern medicinal treatment that is sometimes used in tandem with acupuncture. The “cups” are placed on the body to create a suction sensation. This technique helps increase blood flow to the area to amplify healing and support various detox pathways. Cupping’s benefits include relieving muscle soreness, reducing stiffness, and activating a temporary inflammatory response to the treated area to promote healing.
Try incorporating any, if not all, of these methods into your routine. Your workouts are more effective when operating with recovered muscles instead of fatigued ones. We love seeing how you use our tips in your real life! Tag us on Instagram in your favorite post-workout regimens that help you recover like a champ!