Even with good intentions, we can lag behind when it comes to sticking to a workout plan. Anyone who works out less than five days a week—sometimes called “Weekend Warriors”—has to take a wise approach to workout time. Doing too much too fast can lead to injury and discouragement. Follow these tips to find out how a lessened workout schedule can still work wonders for you.
The Time Before Your Workout Days
When you don’t work out consistently, your muscles wonder what’s happening! Your first goal is to keep your muscles supple and conditioned. Prime your body to be ready for the times you do a longer workout. All it takes is a minimum of ten minutes a day. Stretch your body. Try to work every part, from your head to your toes. You could start this right after you wake up and before you get out of bed, finishing up with more stretches when you stand. Keep your muscles moving through gentle calisthenics and various movements. It doesn’t have to be anything formal, and it will feel good. The more you commit to these easy movements on a daily basis, the fewer chances you will have of injury on the days you “go for it.”
Energy for Your Workout
Your body needs nutrients to perform properly. Empty calories from sugar and processed food don’t accomplish the job. Fuel your body with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy grains. Another plus? When you eat this way, you won’t be carrying around the extra weight that puts pressure on your joints. Eating is important when it comes to getting rid of unwanted pounds, those culprits that make it harder to move. Explore a new plan that may be right for you, such as Keto eating.
Hydration!
When you exercise, the amount of fluid you take in affects the quality of your workout. If it’s hot when you work out, you’re going to dehydrate even faster. So drink those liquids! While that’s common knowledge, don’t get lax on the fact that you need to drink. You can also count on fruits and vegetables that are rich in water, such as cucumbers, berries, grapes, and watermelon for proper hydration.
Actual Stretching
Stretching on the days you don’t work out is helpful, but that doesn’t negate the need to do some stretches before your actual workout routine. This can prevent overuse injuries and make strain less likely on tight tendons and muscles. Do five to ten minutes of walking and stretching, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds. Once done with your workout, it’s time to do a cool down with some more gentle stretches. This will help your muscles relax.
Healthy Support from the Inside
No matter how much you work out, you can rely on support for your stellar efforts with these helpful supplements.
Curamin® Extra Strength is an award-winning product that is safe and effective for occasional post workout muscle pain due to exercise or overuse.* It combines four powerhouse ingredients: curcumin, boswellia, DLPA, and nattokinase and is voted #1 for pain relief*† because it works!
Arthocin® effectively supports joint lubrication and cartilage formation for joint mobility, flexibility, and comfort.*
Be Mobile™ delivers five powerful nutrients that support cartilage and collagen—the “shock absorbers” of your knees, ankles, lower back, and hips—for strong, flexible joints.*
Healthy Knees & Joints™ supports greater knee comfort, joint flexibility, walking distance, and enhanced quality of life with clinical strength, high absorption BCM-95 curcumin, and more. Start those daily stretches, and aim for working out at least two days a week. You’ll be well on your way to accomplishing your healthy life goals!