Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Recovery Training (Yoga, Swimming, Massage etc)



If you're looking for results its no secret, you have to train hard. This means lifting heavy, performing HIIT workouts, full body functional exercises based around movements etc. You need to put a demand on your body that it's not always quite comfortable with in order to progress and improve. However, all this demand can take its tole on the body. If you're going to train hard, you have to recover and you need days/workouts that are dedicated to that specifically. Recovery days are important to help repair damage done to the body during your workouts, stretch muscles and prevent imbalances, increase mobility aiding in injury prevention etc.

There are plenty of options available for recovery after hard training days. Depending on your financial situation, location, or availability of services you may choose one over the other. Massage should be first on everyones list of recovery options. When you're training hard, muscles become tight, injuries can occur, and poor posture may result and lead to further problems in the future. Regular massage will help prevent and treat all these issues. If you can't afford regular massage sessions than foam rolling or using a PVC pipe may be a better option as a form of self massage.

Yoga is also an excellent option for your lighter or recovery days. It's a chance to stretch out the entire body, work some muscles you may be neglecting in your regular training, and still feel like you've had a small workout. I would highly suggest taking a restorative or lighter yoga class if you're already training hard. This means no power yoga or ones specifically designed to be a workout. I would suggest trying Yin Yoga or a light Hatha class.

Another great form of recovery is swimming, or rather floating. Simply floating in water takes a lot of pressure off the joints of your body, and it's also very soothing. If you have access to a pool try using some "pool noodles" to just float for a while and relax. Bring a friend for conversation or just close your eyes and enjoy the time alone to reflect.

Regardless of what you choose try to incorporate some form of recovery (or a couple forms) during a few days of the week. Trust me, your body will thank you for it!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Jiu Jitsu/Grappling Workout!


Here's a nice workout for any of you looking to boost your conditioning and strength endurance for grappling such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! Grappling matches can be long and gruelling, battling back and forth, resisting your opponents force, and attempting to impose yours! These matches are not only tough on your cardiovascular conditioning and strength endurance, but your mobility as well. This is why I have a number of body weight complexes that are specifically designed too meet the needs and demands of grappling athletes, but also work well for the average joe. Watch the video above, try this one out and let me know what you think!

Jungle Fit On The News!


Here's a little interview I did with the local Kingston Ontario News about free fitness! Check it out =) !