Napping like a boss.
Did you know that rest and recovery is just as important as training? In between workouts, your body needs time to repair and strengthen itself. Rest days allow you to recover both physically and psychologically.
During this period, your body replenishes muscle glycogen (energy stores) and provides time for the body tissue to repair. Active rest with a low-intensity activity such as walking, swimming, yoga or active stretching allows you to maintain your fitness momentum, avoid burnout and minimize injury due to over-training.
On passive rest days you avoid doing anything strenuous. Most likely your body will let you know whether you should opt for active or passive recovery. If you feel sharp pain, achy joints, poor sleep or have been hitting it too hard during the week, it will affect your performance. Pay attention to these clues and make adjustments accordingly.
What’s one of our favorite passive rest activities? Napping in a hammock! You can fall asleep faster, enjoy a deeper sleep cycle and the gentle swaying motion helps engage your vestibular system – your sense of balance and spatial orientation.
However, lying down on a hammock can be tricky. So, watch this quick video of Phil as he demonstrates the quick and easy way to position yourself inside. After spending a relaxing time rocking yourself to sleep, you’ll awaken feeling energized and refreshed.