Stress and Rest

The simple key to improvement.

Stress then rest.

I am currently reading the book Peak Performance, where a sprinter and a scientist analysis working and maintaining peak performance, after having both failed in their areas of expertise despite putting 100% effort and having great talent.

The summary is Stress then Rest, challenge your body/ mind or muscle then recover it to improve. What is interesting why we do this in strength and run training it also works for your brain.

What does recovery and rest look like for people who are working full time, running after kids, training for health or an event and has all of lifes constant curve balls being thrown at them.

This over laps with my 3 quality runs I spoke of last week, depending on your goal, fit in what you can, give it the best you can, and know when you are tired mentally and physically and cut back.

What to consider for recovery

• The quality food you are eating for repair and nutrients (Protein and vege)

• Your sleep are you getting the 7+ hours that have been proven to make you feel and perform in life better

• Your stress management, how to deload, and breath, turn off, reduce

• Muscle recovery with rolling, massage, spa

So Stress

• Do quality workouts when you feel good and can push and challenge your body

• Take it easier on other workouts, to promote recovery

As we age we do take longer to heal, and recover this is why it is frustrating when we can’t do all we could in our 20’s. This doesn’t mean we can’t reach equal heights, we are generally just doing it with half the time and needing more rest.

What to include in your week?

• 3 quality sessions that are focused and specific to your goal, ( running for runners, sport specific, weightloss - HIIT and strength classes)

• 2-3 easier/shorter sessions that support your goal ( runners- strength training, and cycling, sport- strength and cardio, weightloss - do lighter intensity resistance, walk or jog)