What you do before and after training is just as important as what you do during it. Here are some tips to help prepare your body for your next kickboxing lesson and ensure it recovers in the best way possible.

Fuelling your body

Nowadays, stores are filled with hundreds of pre & post-workout powders, bars, pills, and everything in between. If you are going to grab one of these supplements, do your research FIRST! You will find that many of these are highly processed and packed filled with sugars and artificial flavorings that take away from your healthy lifestyle. Before heading into Xen-Do for your kickass workout, pop into the shop and snack on a banana, oats, a smoothie, a chickpea salad, egg whites, dried fruit, Greek yogurt, or most importantly something that sits well in your stomach. Get to know your body by figuring out what works for you and what doesn’t. It is important to get some sort of nutrients into your stomach to give you that extra energy push and stamina for your workout.

What are you supposed to do about recovery, you ask? Eat something within 30 minutes of finishing training: this is when your muscles are most receptive to recovery fuel. Here are a few examples of post-workout snacks to refuel your body and get it ready for your next session: a bowl of oats with milk, fruit, and a handful of nuts, two eggs with some spinach and one slice of toast, etc. These quick recovery meals have protein and carbohydrates, both of what your body is craving after a workout. It is VERY important to get something into your system within that 30-minute period post-training.

Rest

Resting your body can be just as important as fuelling or exercising it. Your muscles repair each night as you sleep, therefore not getting enough or quality sleep can have a negative impact on performance. If you struggle to fall asleep in the evenings, take a look at what is blocking the process. The first step is to turn off the TV, silence your phone, and say goodnight to your electronic devices. This will give you more of a chance at an uninterrupted night’s sleep and allow your body to recover fully. Not only is sleep crucial, but rest days also help prevent injury and allow for recovery. We know you want to spend every day here with us at Xen-Do, but we’ll give you a pass for a day off if that is what your body needs. Building recovery time into your training is vital to allow you to get fit and stay Fit For Life.

Ouss,

Team Xen-Do