Workout Recovery: Compression Therapy

My husband and I have histories of joint pain. We also enjoy working out as one of our dating activities, but we have to be very intentional about our recovery methods. This is where compression therapy comes in.

What is Compression Therapy?

I was thrilled to see an article recently on one of my favorite fitness apps, MyFitnessPal explaining compression therapy and its benefits. Usually, when I mention compression therapy, I get confused looks or raised eyebrows from folks. I get it though, I was unfamiliar with it until I learned of it during my last round of physical therapy.

As the article states, compression as recovery is nothing new. Many athletes already rely on compression socks and shorts after a workout, and research identifies a link between compression garments and reduced muscle soreness after sprinting and plyometrics. You can read more about the method in the full article found here.

My Newest Workout Recovery Tool: The Wuju Fitness Knee Brace

This #WujuFitnessKneeBrace won’t make you young again or cure any joint issues, but it will help to lessen your joint pain and support your knee muscles and ligaments and aid you in bending your knee.

It’s basically a knee brace used to compress the knee for sports or to solve aches and pains. It comes in 3 sizes, the color is silver/grey with a design in the knee cap. I like this more than other braces I’ve used it the past because it fits around my thigh without rolling down or bunching.

I’ve used it for the past two weeks and will be purchasing more for continued use. The fabric is lightweight, but sturdy and it could be worn during my workouts, though I prefer to save it for my compression therapy which I complete after my workouts and at various times throughout the day if I experience any muscle discomfort.

If you workout frequently, I encourage you to try compression therapy if you haven’t already. This is only one of many braces/compression sleeves to choose from, but it worked well for me!

Let’s Toast to New Fitness Goals: Detox Tea Review

My next birthday is quickly approaching. I’ve decided to start a two-month birthday countdown.

This also means it’s time for increased workouts and weight training! In fact, I’ve started off with this week with another series of morning detox tea.

I received these cups to review and I love that these #cutea cups are ready to go in my Keurig. I’m not really a big fan of most commercial “detoxes.” I side with the school of thought that our body is already equipped to naturally detox itself.

However, I do believe that we benefit from intentional, positive changes in our diets and those periods when we pay closer attention to the items we consume and how often we consume them. I also perfer drinking tea and I find this beverage beneficial for increasing my water intake.

☕CUTEA’s unique formula is a 100% natural way to rid yourself of toxins, boost energy and burn tough body fat.

☕The specially blended detox brew can be enjoyed hot, first thing in the morning or sipped chilled as an after-workout, morning refresher.

☕Added bonus: Each cup in the 10 count box gets up to 3 uses per cup for a total 30 uses from the set!

☕Ingredients: Organic Green Tea, Organic Tulsi, Organic Spearmint, Organic Rose Hops, Organic Lemon Myrtle, Organic Linden Blossoms, & Organic Ginger Roots.

I’ve already come a long way and I’m so grateful for God’s faithfulness and strength.

It will involve a good bit of hard work, but I’m excited to see what God has in store for the journey ahead.

November will be here before we know it.

Let’s get fit together! 💪🏋🏃

3 Steps to Getting Back in the Gym After an Extended Break

Step 1. Set a date and time to go back to the gym. I love the quote in the image below. I’m a stickler for keeping appointments and being timely. Once I set a “gym date,” it’s on!

Step 2: Select some cute (and functional workout gear)! This was easy for me to do since the husboo gifted me the cutest workout top for Christmas (it actually has glitter in the threading of the fabric) and I received these leggings from Sport It!

The leggings are AMAZING. I wore them all day before going to the gym at 5:30 pm and let me tell you that is no small feat. Usually, compression leggings are uncomfortable to wear for long periods, but these applied the perfect amount of pressure without being too tight and still maintaining a decent amount of slack at the same time.

I woke up at 9 am. Put my leggings on. Did hours of cleaning and housework while wearing them and headed straight to the gym with no issue.

Step 3: Get to the gym (Or wherever you work out) and get to it.

The hardest part is getting started. You may feel rusty, but don’t hold yourself back. Here area some shots of me at the gym and trying out the new leggings!

And DONE! Before I knew it, over an hour had passed!

Getting back out there can be the hardest part! If you’ve hit a slump, are at a loss of motivation, or have already set aside your New Year’s resolution to get healthy or get back in the gym, I hope this post has helped to motivate you.

I know there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to health and wellness, but one things is for sure, “You have to start somewhere!”

Figure out where your “somewhere” is and take that first step, no matter how small it may feel!

Scriptures to meditate on:

1 Corinthians 9:26-27
I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Until next time, #GoFixSomething and #GOSPORTIT

Disclaimer: I received a promotional pair of these leggings at a discounted price in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.