R-E-L-A-X, the importance of rest and recovery

     We all know how important it is to keep a consistent schedule of working out and pushing ourselves harder and harder, but what about resting?  Is resting really that important? Is it bad to not have a day off?
     The answer to both of the above questions is YES! Resting your body is just as important as working out.  When you take a day off from lifting you allow your body to recover without any strain.  You will optimize your recovery and it can even help you get stronger! Yes, resting can actually help you gain strength!
     Yoga is a great exercise to help optimize your recovery.  Whenever you stretch you're stretching your muscles out (which is why stretching after working out is so important!) allowing them to get closer to full strength quicker.
     On your days off from lifting try reading a book or doing an activity that forces you to use your brain.  Since we're letting our body recover we might as well work out our brain and keep it healthy to help us out when we do go back to working out!
 

"Don't judge my choices without understanding my reasons" - Anonymous 

Time Managment

How many people are excited for the new school year? I know I am! School means a set schedule, seeing your school friends everyday, and most importantly, autumn! I love autumn, it's by far my favorite season; you have football, Apple picking, pumpkin picking, pumpkin spiced everything, and so much more! But that's another topic lol. School also brings stress, more work, and more responsibilities. That's why time management is so important! We as athletes need to make sure we are staying on top of our school work, our practices, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Here's a few tips:

- Make a schedule: schedules are great because you literally get to plan out your entire day by the hour. I like to do this so I don't forget what I have to get done.

- Use a planner/agenda: writing down homework and plans help you remember the important things you have to do.

-Don't over book yourself: trying to do too much in a small amount of time will lead you to not give 100% effort and focus on the tasks you are doing.

- Have fun: life is suppose to be enjoyed, so don't forget to give yourself time to relax and unwind.

School can be stressful, but if you are using you time correctly, it can be fun. Remember that life is not all work, so you are allowed to have fun and make time to hangout with friends!