By Jeff Butler
With most gyms in the area having been completely shut down over the last 6 weeks, many folks are now contemplating how to best start back up with their fitness regimen. Many people have been doing a scaled down version of their standard gym workouts while at home, but also many have become sedentary. And some who are looking to get started now are new to fitness altogether, wondering what the best initial steps to take would be. For the fitness enthusiasts, would it be best to start back up where you left off, or might it make more sense to re-evaluate and then go from there? The most important part in getting started, or started again, is starting at the right place. And for many I believe the best place to start would be with an aggressive myofascial release strategy that is best suited for their body. Please allow me to explain the rationale for this , and help guide you through the cost/benefit analysis.
When starting this analysis, first of all are you limiting things to just the short term, or are you considering an overall strategy that will maximize your health and fitness for the remainder of your life? How do you go about prioritizing what you decide to work on? Is it based solely on what you enjoy doing? Or are there other motivating factors involved? Do you lead with cardiovascular exercises in an attempt to mitigate risk and feel better, maybe per doctor’s orders? Or maybe strength training to feel more confident and assertive? Or maybe stretching to relax and unwind? These are all important areas to include in a balanced, more comprehensive fitness program, but the question remains. What about sequence and priority? What basis are you using to figure out what you do first, second, and so forth? It is rare for somebody to start a fitness program by first aggressively performing various myofascial release exercises that are best for them, and correcting imbalances. But for many I believe this is the best initial strategy to take, and let me explain why.
First, optimal exercise performance with minimal pain is largely contingent upon having the proper length/tension relationship in the muscles, and by minimizing myofascial restrictions. When you start with the myofascial release exercises that are right for you (as determined by an assessment), after battling through the initial adaptation phase one of the first things you will start to realize is that you’re moving better. When the restrictions are realigned properly, then that translates into the muscles stretching better, and the positive adaptations will be more likely to stick through consistent repetition. With movement becoming easier with fewer restrictions, that should translate also into a greater amount of energy that you’ll be able to put into your workouts, which generates better results. Pain should be minimized during higher intensity exercise, and recovery time will be speeded up. Myofascial release can also have a very positive effect both psychologically and emotionally, due to the mind-body connection that is activated while rolling out the muscles. People oftentimes tell me how great they feel after performing these exercises, and many have described these exercises by saying, “It hurts but it feels good.” That’s when I know they are really getting it!
Being both consistent and aggressive in the short term with myofascial release and stretching strategies that you learn at Realign U will create a new “normal”, a new set point that your body will have become accustomed to that will now act as your new foundation. You’ll be in better alignment at a deeper level through the connective tissue, as well as what you can visibly see. Upon completion of your training at Realign U, you’ll have completed phase 1 in your quest for attaining that lifestyle that will maximize health, fitness level, and functionality. And for many who have been doing aggressive exercise already but have been battling through pain, or if you’re a person who is looking to progress to aggressive exercise in the future, then by doing the necessary foundational work at Realign U now, most likely you will save yourself a great deal of unnecessary pain that is linked to performing high intensity exercises that your body isn’t ready for yet.
Another key point is that the longer you wait to get started, the more painful it can make the initial stages ( due to the increase in myofascial restrictions as we age), and unfortunately the results you will realize at Realign U will be more limited. Please keep in mind that myofascial restrictions don’t announce themselves, and that our bodies are very good at compensating for extended periods of time before any pain issues start to set in. And the only way you can tell how restricted you are is by applying pressure (such as with a foam roller or tennis ball). The fitness assessment at Realign U is completely complimentary, and there for you to help you make the best decision. And it’s completely your decision as to whether or not you decide to move forward with Realign U or not.
There’s no doubt many of our lives have been shaken significantly over the last 6 weeks, but the challenge I offer now is to not focus on the obstacles, but rather the opportunities. Sometimes it’s necessary to realign where your focus is at, and oftentimes it’s the improper things that have your attention that are also causing many of your problems. Realign U can help with this.
Realign U offers a positive, fun, lighthearted and private one-on-one setting that usually leaves my clients feeling great after their sessions. Social distancing is respected, aggressive and consistent cleaning is practiced, and last but not least is the giant green wall that exudes that positive, calming energy.😀 You will be met where you are, we will prioritize the most important things for you to work on first, and you will have strategic progressions that will help you to reach all your fitness goals. So in these tough and uncertain times, consider what Realign U can do for you!
Jeff Butler
ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Medical Exercise Specialist, and Health Coach
314-402-7321
jbutler14@icloud.com
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