fitness friday: rest and recovery days

        Well my week back to crossfit has been amazing! My body is so sore and I love every ache and pain. It amazes me how sore I can get from just taking two weeks off.  As much as i dreaded those two weeks I have to say they made a huge difference in my performance this week. My body feels like it's almost back to normal, feeling as good as I felt pre pregnancy! I came back this week stronger and healthier. And I am learning to listen to my body again  After a long week of working,gym, and catering to my son I am pretty tired today so I took today off to rest up for the first Crossfit open wod 14.1 tomorrow.  I took Thursday off from the gym but used it as an active rest day and did some double unders light kettle bell swings and ab mat workout in my garage after I put the baby down for bed. My little gym in my garage is slowly coming along and works out great now that I have a baby. Since I enjoy working out in the evenings so much better than mornings I do not mind staying up a little later to get my workout done. I'm going a little backwards on my schedule this week but Wednesday night was an amazing night at my Oly class I did a 75# snatch which I have not done since before I was pregnant because one I got pregnant and then two I hurt my shoulder (which is still hurt). Then Tuesday night did 60 front squats at 85# 60 pull ups ran 800m all in 6:22 I was very focused on Tuesday. And finally Monday my first day back I felt little weak bu still felt like I accomplished something 65# strict press 85#push press and 105# jerk.

          Earlier I mentioned active rest day. Although rest is needed you still want to stay active on those days. Our bodies just like our minds need stimulation everyday. On your rest and recovery days the worse thing youu could do for your body is nothing. So personally I like to take an active rest day which is very light workout and stretching you can even go as light as taking your dog for walk. Then I have a full day of rest and recovery I do nothing but stretch out.  I think a day of nothing is great for your mind and body. You do not want to burn out mentally I know we have all been there a time or two. And most important of all get good SLEEP. Sleep can play such a huge factor in your workouts it can really drag you down.  Whenit comes to health and fitness just always remember  1) stay active 2)Stretch out loosen up 3)Sleep our bodies need to heal both mental and from physical stress from our workouts 4)Diet stay in tune with your diet you need the proper foods to help your body recover from your intense workouts.