How To Recover Like an Olympian / Beauty Products Making It to the Podium / Does Walking Count As Exercise?🚶♀️

Hi friend!

As we marvel at the pure talent and preparation that female Olympians have been working toward for their entire lives, we may feel more motivated to aim for our own goals.

Take Katie Ledecky, Simone Biles, and Allyson Felix as prime examples. 

In fact, the Paris Olympics are being called the first 'gender-equal' games and exciting new audiences worldwide as the growing interest in women's sports continues to make headlines. It's all so inspiring! 🏅 

This week, we're exploring ways to care for our bodies after pushing them to the limit with simple stretching and our fav recovery tools — so you can feel like you're right there in it with your most-loved Olympians. Go, team USA! 🇺🇸

In need of some more motivation? Check out these fitness reads on Rescripted: 

• Is Working Out at Night Bad? What You Need To Know
• The Best Exercises For Hormone Balance and Fertility
• IBS: Ways To Relieve Your Symptoms with Diet and Exercise
• Does Walking Count as Exercise?

But wait, there's more! Enjoy one free month of obe Fitness using code RESCRIPTED.

Active Recovery For The Win

Did you know that active recovery (like stretching) is essential for maintaining flexibility, reducing muscle soreness, preventing injuries, and improving overall performance?

After your workout, remember to hold each stretch for at least 20-30 seconds and breathe deeply to maximize the benefits. 🙆🏻♀️

Here are some of the best stretches to include:

 Hamstring Stretch

• How To: Sit on the ground with one leg extended straight and the other leg bent so that the sole of your foot rests against your inner thigh. Reach toward your toes on the extended leg, keeping your back straight.
• Benefits: This stretch helps relieve tension in the hamstrings and lower back.

Quad Stretch

• How To: Stand on one leg, grabbing the ankle of the opposite leg behind you. Pull your heel toward your glutes, keeping your knees close together.
• Benefits: By targeting your quadriceps, you improve flexibility in the front of your thighs. 

Chest Stretch

• How To: Stand in a doorway with your arms at a 90-degree angle, placing your forearms against the doorframe. Lean forward gently until you feel a stretch in your chest and shoulders.
• Benefits: This stretch opens up the chest and shoulders, counteracting the effects of hunching and tightness from upper body workouts, or, you know, slouching over our screens all day 😩.

Hip Flexor Stretch

• How To: Kneel on one knee with the other foot in front, creating a 90-degree angle with both knees. Push your hips forward slightly while keeping your back straight until you feel a stretch in the front of the hip. 
• Benefits: Your hip flexors will feel looser, allowing for better flexibility and a happier seating posture. 

Also, read: Somatic Exercises: Do They Really Work?

1. Yoga Bolster:  A yoga bolster is perfect for stretching out your back and whole body because it provides firm support, allowing for deeper relaxation and enhanced alignment during poses.
2. Epsom Salts: This potent addition to your self-care and recovery routine helps relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote detoxification through magnesium absorption.
3. Neck and Shoulder Relaxer: A neck and shoulder stretcher might look funny, but it's great for relieving tension and improving posture in the upper body after a long day of screen use.
4. Compression Socks: Compression socks make great companions to tired legs and long travel by enhancing blood circulation, reducing swelling, and providing support to prevent discomfort and fatigue.
5. Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set: This mat helps alleviate aches and pains while relaxing your entire body by stimulating pressure points that promote increased blood flow and the release of endorphins 🧘🏻♀️.

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