Movement is crucial not so much for weight loss but for the health of tissue, blood, toxin removal and the brain…lets look at some of the ways movement affects the body.

Muscles require movements to strengthen and flush the system. Increasing action with varied forces stimulates the blood to deliver  important components such as red blood cells to carry oxygen, white blood cells that make up part of the immune system and platelets that create clotting. Plasma, blood cells, nutrients and waste products float in this liquid bone and they require movement to stimulate force, because it is this force that creates strengthening of the collagen and minerals that make up bone, making it healthier and more able. Inactivity will decrease density between 1-2%.

Nerves are continually stimulated by movement, the more unusual the movement (not repetitive) the busier the neural system becomes carrying messages to the brain in milli-seconds. Connective tissue craves movement for lubrication and hydration of the tissue. Connective Tissue is made up of collagen (proteins), elastin, reticulin and 70% water and is responsible for force mitigation throughout the system. The more we can move the body in different directions with variations the happier the tissue becomes.

Lymphatic system starts in the feet and hands and works at it’s best during movement. It is essential for the body to move to create the pumping effect required to shift the toxins and waste products to the necessary filters in the viscera and eventually up to the throat region. Blood is pumped away from the heart and towards the outer extremities, the more we move the better the return of the blood to the heart.

The circulatory system is far more effective when we move as it take pressure off the main muscle in the body; the heart. The skin is the outer layer of connective tissue that keeps the pressures that is created inside the body from escaping, the body functions on pressure. Varied movements pump water through the skin and encourages the tissue to remain healthy but also look younger!!

As always variation is the key, along with Rhythm and Timing. So hydrate, eat well, get moving and keep a smile on the dial!    :)

Here are six proven ways to SPEED up your RECOVERY:

1/ Rest : Sleep is one of the most important forms of rest and provides time for the body to adapt to the physical demands of training. Make sure you are getting enough sleep between 7-8 hours per day is the most recommended, try to ensure your sleep is good quality and preferably in a darkened room and in a comfortable, quiet and peaceful environment. Passive resting such as reading a book, listening to music or a casual walk along the beach are great ways to relax both mentally and physically.

2/ Mobilizers : The Mobilizers that we do at training are very effective for recovery, they help lubricate the connective tissue and assist in reducing discomfort and pain, improve reaction time and balance, improve wellbeing, increase energy, reduce fat levels and increase speed and efficiency in movement. Being consistent in doing your Mobilizers is a major key to reaping the benefits!

3/ Fascial Freeing : Fascial Freeing is a simple, effective method “freeing” locations of the body such as the hips that become restricted through everyday lifestyle challenges. It addresses the locations of the body that tend to “glue up “, impeding the efficiency of the body, it can be applied using various Osteo Fascial Techniques such as foam rollers, tennis balls,softballs, spiky balls or hands on from your Personal Trainer J Fascial Freeing will improve your recovery, movement, vitality and training performance.

4/ Nutrition/ Hydration : In our previous newsletters we have stressed the importance of Good Healthy Nutrition and keeping well Hydrated for general well being and it also plays a major role with your recovery from your workouts. After depleting your energy stores during your workout, you need to refuel with good quality healthy food fuel to enable your body to recover and repair tissues. You also lose a lot of fluids during your workout and should always be replacing it during your workout, but filling up after your workout is an easy way to boost your recovery. Water supports every metabolic function and nutrient transfer in the body and having plenty of water will improve every bodily function.

5/ Contrast Therapy : Alternating cold water and hot water when you have a shower provides increase muscle flow to the working muscles and speeds the removal of lactic acid and is a great way to recover from your workouts. Be sure to start and finish your shower with the cold exposure: a simple formula to follow is 15 seconds cold 30 seconds hot repeating 3 or 4 times but remember always start and finish with the cold water!

6/ Massage : Pamper your body by treating yourself to a massage, it will help relieve any tension in the body tissue, provide you with relaxation, help relieve stress, make you feel great, and is fantastic for your wellbeing as well as being a very enjoyable form of recovery! So get pampered and ENJOY!