I need Frankie to say RELAX

Taking a break isn't easy but I've said it before and I'll say it again: part of progress is letting your body heal and recover. Sometimes "Whatever it takes" includes taking a little time off. Let Frankie say RELAX!! 

 This week wasn't planned off but between stress at work, lots going on personally (all good - just a LOT), and pushing myself extra hard I can feel my body calling for some TLC. 

So how do you know the difference between really needing the downtime and just be lazy and fighting a case of the "I don't wanna"s?

Here's my check list:

1. Am I being totally totally honest with myself? I know my body better than anyone which means I know when I'm lying to myself. Time to take a quiet moment and really listen. 

2. Unexplained aches and soreness that just won't seem to go away are my body's way of begging for some quiet time. (PLEASE NOTE this is different from pain. Pain needs to be checked with the doctor. Aches and soreness are different from pain. Again, time to listen to your body - you'll know the difference when you "hear" it.)

3. Am I suddenly getting tired at times I wasn't tired before or having a really really hard time getting up without any good explanation? 

4. Do I feel like I have the full range of motion and balance needed to do my workouts safely? This is a big one to me when it comes to getting sore. Soreness is normal especially when you're lifting and making progress but when you lose the ability to do the exercises safely, it's time to reevaluate the day's workout plans!

Sometimes the need for a break comes from simply overtraining which has it's own good checklist. Check it out here: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/overtraining/#axzz2pwtux48B

The only trouble now is while Curt and I agree that I need a week off, he isn't agreeing that he needs one off for the same reason. And to think I'm normally the stubborn one!

So you don't wanna sit completely still or you want to help yourself recover to the fullest... What do you do?

Here are a few ideas (in no particular order) for how to make the most of your recovery week!

- Try some yoga or stretching. If you owe a Beachbody program, you have a stretch or yoga DVD or two... Time to push play!

- Get a massage.... Mmmmmm. Yes they can be pricy but I don't think I've ever checked Groupon and NOT seen a massage deal. #justsayin

- Take a hot bath with Epsom salt which has been shown to help draw out toxins... And let's face it, soaking in hot water feels good!

- Relax with heating pad on your tight spots. My issue is usually the base of my neck and top of my shoulders but a heating pad can work wonders on getting me moving again!

- Try to stick to your usual sleep schedule. Do you normally wake up early to workout? Stay up a little later? You don't want to make it harder on yourself once you're coming out of your recovery week so balance listening to your body with keeping to your usual sleep schedule. Use the extra hour of your day to read a fun book, talk to a long lost friend, or disappear into that movie you've been meeeeeeeaning to see. 

- Set an end date for your recovery period. Unless you're getting over an injury, you should set a end date for your recovery or time off so it doesn't extend into eternity. Consider it part of your workout program schedule and keep up your routine!

The biggest thing is to give yourself permission to take time to recover when your body is asking you to! Most fallbacks happen when we fall off the wagon and can't get back on due to being overwhelmed or overworked. I don't want to see you get there!

Think it through and share with us... What's your body's number one way of asking for a lil R&R? What's your favorite way to relax and recover?