Relaxation station.

Wow.  I had no clue how much I needed some relaxation in my life until tonight….so basically I am writing this post to myself……and everyone else out there who is just like me and literally does not know how to slow down or take breaks.   I blame my ADHD for most of it….however; I am well educated about the body, and I should know better. TRX has this little catch phrase “make your body your machine”, and I love it.  In order for us to use our body to the best of its ability, we have to work it out…..right?  And of course properly fuel it….duh.  BUT the thing I consistently neglect doing…. is rest it.  Give it the attention it needs.  Just like any machine, if we don’t take care of it, give it a break….it will stop working properly…..or worse….break.  Overuse and overtraining are such common reasons for injury.  And we all know that does nothing but set you back in whatever you do.  So tonight, thanks to my AMAZING husband-to-be, I took advantage of an hour massage at my most favorite spa ever.  Having an hour to myself and to have my muscle tissue massaged and relaxed was heavenly.  It just got me thinking.   I wish I were a Kardashian.  Because then I would do that every.single.day.all.day.   Kidding.  It honestly made me think how incredibly important it is to take time to give our bodies a little R&R.  So while I know getting amazing massages every week is not necessarily budget friendly, foam rolling is.  Essentially using a foam roller is like giving yourself a massage.   Men’s Health calls it a “poor man’s massage”. The best part (in my opinion) is that foam rollers are fairly inexpensive and can be used quickly in the comfort of your own home.  You can get them at most sports stores(Marshalls and T.J. Maxx have them for around $12.00).  Your muscles and body appreciate foam rolling as well.  Foam rolling, like a massage help to relax your muscles, which allow you better movement and increased range of motion as well as more blood flow throughout the body.  It is one of those “hurts so good” situations.  Kind of like a sour patch kid….totally worth it.  Sour, sweet, gone.  Below are a few links to some great articles in regards to foam rolling.  Check it out.

XoXo,
NaturallyNati

http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-tips/foam-rolling-total-body-benefits


http://breakingmuscle.com/mobility-recovery/what-is-a-foam-roller-how-do-i-use-it-and-why-does-it-hurt


http://www.menshealth.com/best-life/foam-rolling

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