🧘‍♀️ Three Ways to Recover Post-Workout and Every Day!

Sweet friends,

We had such an incredible week in the studio with you! You inspire us to stay committed each day and we love helping you transform. We have one week left in March and we are so excited to see your March calendar filled out! Let’s finish March strong! Remember when you send us your completed calendar at the end of the month, you will win a prize!

Recovery is vital to our physical and mental health! We love getting to spend our last five minutes in the studio with you focusing on recovery and allowing our minds to renew. Whether you are training for a 5k, marathon, or every day life, we all need to spend time recovering and resting in God’s truth!

Below are three ways to recover post-workout or at any point during your day!

Take a Magnesium Supplement

Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and making protein, bone, and DNA. Get our favorite magnesium supplement on amazon HERE! Take this Natural Calm supplement at night before bed for best results. Here are just a few health benefits of magnesium!

1. Bone Health

   Magnesium is important for bone formation. It helps assimilate calcium into the bone and plays a role in activating vitamin D in the kidneys. Vitamin D is also essential for healthy bones. Optimal magnesium intake is associated with greater bone density, improved bone crystal formation, and a lower risk of osteoporosis in women after menopause.

2. Calcium Absorption

   Calcium and magnesium are important for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. Without magnesium, a high intake of calcium can increase the risk of arterial calcification and cardiovascular disease, as well as kidney stones.

3. Diabetes Prevention

   Magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate and glucose metabolism, so magnesium status can also impact the risk of diabetes. Several studies have associated a higher intake of magnesium with a lower risk of diabetes.

4. Heart Health

   Magnesium is necessary to maintain the health of muscles, including the heart. It is also crucial for the transmission of electrical signals in the body. Adequate magnesium intake has been associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis, a fatty buildup on the walls of arteries, and hypertension (high blood pressure).

5. Preventing Migraine Headaches

   Small studies have suggested that magnesium therapy may help prevent or relieve headaches, but the amount likely to be needed to make a difference is high. It should only be administered by a health professional.

6. Alleviating Premenstrual Syndrome

   Ensuring an adequate intake of magnesium, especially combined with vitamin B6, may help relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as bloating, insomnia, leg swelling, weight gain, and breast tenderness.

7. Relieving Anxiety

   Reductions in magnesium levels, or changes in the way that it is processed, have been linked to increased levels of anxiety. This appears related to activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a set of three glands that control a person's reaction to stress. Research has shown that a low-magnesium diet may alter the types of bacteria present in the gut, and this may impact anxiety-based behavior.

Stretching

We always encourage you to stretch after each workout because active recovery (stretching) is essential to recovering and helping your muscles relax! As we work out, we tear our muscles (little tiny tears, but tears nonetheless) and the way our body gains strength in our workouts of any kind is through healing and repairing those tears.  In turn, we end up with strengthened, lengthened, toned, and more flexible muscles. Our stronger muscle tissue is also less prone to injury or strains. This happens a small amount at a time, so daily practice is the best and quickest way to see results in your flexibility and strength. Below are three benefits of stretching as a form of recovery!

1. Stretching improves your flexibility and range of motion.

Exercising can cause muscles to become tighter than normal, so your range of motion decreases. As a result, your body can become more prone to injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to increase your flexibility to help improve your body's strength, balance, and health.

2. Stretching can improve your mobility and your performance in activities.

As you stretch, you are lengthening your muscles and increasing the blood flow to your muscles. It will then become easier to work those muscles while exercising and will allow your muscles to work effectively.

3. Stretching allows you to clear your mind and thoughts.

It is easy to recognize stress, but sometimes we forget about the toll stress can put on our bodies. Stretching daily will allow your mind to focus on something other than your to-do list or schedule for the day. Your body is able to concentrate on what is important, allowing the mind to recharge.

Rest in God’s Truth

We ask ourselves often, how can we transform our minds? Rest is a pillar of health we know we need, but don't prioritize. Rest is vital to the rhythms of our life. Rest is a gift from God which serves specific physical, mental, and spiritual purposes. 

We can honor God with our bodies when we take intentional time to rest, reflecting on our many blessings with having grateful hearts and acknowledging our dependence on Him.

Check out a past blog with more information on how to improve your rest and sleep habits HERE.

Our March Lunch and Learn is this Thursday, March 28th! It’s not too late to register! During this luncheon, we will cover safe and efficient running. Topics include form fundamentals, nutrition, running shoes and favorite running gear, and health benefits. TransFit Running Director Lisa Patton will teach us about running/walking hills efficiently and safely, how to run/walk a 5K, and strategies to help us get faster! TransFit Registered Dietician Kaeti Shurling will teach us about the best foods for runners. We will also have Fleet Feet Athens and Lululemon here as guests! You do not want to miss this!

The cost to cover lunch is $15. You can register on the free TransFit app under Special Events!

Fit for a Miracle 5K

Our first annual Fit for a Miracle 5k benefitting ESP is scheduled to take place on May 4, 2019 at 5:00 pm. We will also have a Miracle Mile (1 mile fun run) at 4:30 pm. We are SO excited about this opportunity to support ESP Miracle League, which will provide transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities to thrive through the magic of accessible play and inclusive baseball.

You can register for this event online HERE or download the mail-in registration form below. All of the proceeds from this event will be donated toward Extra Special People and help to fund the new Miracle League Complex. If you or your business would like to help sponsor this event please email us HERE!

Join us for yoga every Friday at 9:30 am to focus on recovery and stretching after a long week! You can sign up on our app HERE!

Check out our website for more blogs, inspiration, recipes, workouts, and more!

Let us know how we can serve you! Email us at transfitathens@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to schedule a one-on-one.

Blessings, 

Team TransFit

❗️Is Rest As Important As Exercise & Nutrition? ❗️

Sweet friends,

Seriously, do you ever ask yourself “Is rest really as important for transformation as exercise & nutrition?” Many of us make time for exercise and work on meal planning but neglect proper rest.

In our Lived Transformed Bible Study a few weeks ago, we explored the truth that we are to honor God with our bodies by getting proper rest and sleep. We often talk of caring for our bodies with proper nutrition and exercise, but true rest is a pillar of health we know we need, but don't prioritize. The importance of quality rest and sleep cannot be overemphasized. They are vital to the rhythms of our lives, gifts from God which serve specific physical and spiritual purposes. 

Physically, we must have proper rest and sleep in order to function at our best, but the latest research says lack of sleep has become a public health epidemic. As we sat around the circle at Bible Study, this topic was the one most of us had marked and highlighted as being a personal struggle.

We know we are not getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep, and we are concerned because the evidence shows that sleep deprivation is serious. It’s been linked to obesity, negative effects on hormones, skin aging, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, immune system issues, muscle atrophy, type-2 diabetes, etc. We also know how we feel when we don’t get proper rest and sleep, causing us to be irritable and short-tempered with others.

Something we can do to improve our health is set rest and sleep goals, just like we do for nutrition and exercise. The following are some suggestions:

 For Sleep:

• Sleep journal (to really be aware of our habits)

• No TV, no phones, or screen time a minimum of 30 minutes before bedtime

• Follow a consistent bedtime routine 

• Relax in an epsom salt bath

• Use lavender essential oils

• Take a Melatonin and/or Magnesium supplement 

• Enjoy a cup of warm Chamomile Tea

• Use a sound machine with white noise or calming sounds to induce sleep

• Keep the bedroom dark and temperature cool 

• Exercise (not the 3 hours before bedtime)

• Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows 

• PRAY for good rest and sleep and memorize and meditate on scriptures like Psalm 3:3-5, Psalm 46:10, Proverbs 3:24 

For Daily Rest:

• Practice deep breathing

• Allow margin in your schedule

• Take mini vacations/stay-cations doing something you really enjoy

• Invest in a devotional and have a “quiet time” with the Lord daily

• Take a leisurely walk 

• Lay on your back with your feet up on the wall

• Get together with friends that are life-giving

• Splurge occasionally on a massage

• Unplug from social media for a day, weekend, week or month

Leg Up the Wall Pose

Legs Up the Wall Pose is a restorative yoga posture that allows the mind and the body to relax, relieving stress and tension. The benefits of this passive posture are transforming.

Getting into the pose

Start by setting up a clean space around a wall. Next, move your hips as close to the wall as possible, then walk your feet up the wall until your body is in a somewhat L-shaped position. Make any adjustments to facilitate a more relaxing space-- maybe place a pillow under your head, or let your arms rest on your belly or out to the sides. At this point, focus on your breath-- try elongating your breath, taking a deep, slow inhale through your nose- “calm” and a deep, slow exhale through your nose to “let go”.

Try not to bring the body to a full 90 degree angle as this can impede circulation at the hips. Instead slide your hips a few inches from the wall and/or elevate your hips by placing a cushion under your sacrum.

Attempt to stay in the pose for at least 5 minutes for optimal benefits.

 Benefits of Legs Up the Wall Pose

Relaxation

The semi-supine aspect of the pose combined with controlled breathing leads to a slowing down within your body. This exhibits itself in a lowered heart rate which elicits a relaxation response and, in turn, helps lower anxiety, stress and insomnia.

Facilitates venous drainage and increases circulation

Elevating the legs promotes drainage from excess fluid build-up. In addition, gravity assists circulation by facilitating the return of blood back to the heart.

Soothes swollen or cramped feet and legs

Inverting the legs/feet has long been known as an effective treatment for reducing swelling and pain in the lower extremities. This can be therapeutic after flying, physical activity or from the detrimental effects of sitting/standing during the day.

Stretches the hamstrings and lower back

The angle of the body reduces the curve of the lumbar spine, which will elongate and stretch the back muscles. The closer your hips are to the wall, the more stretch you'll create in your hamstrings.

Relieves lower back tension

Pressure is released from the spine in a supine position (especially on a bed or cushion), relieving the back from mild strain.

Studies have shown that restorative yoga poses, specifically, Legs Up the Wall, can be beneficial for those suffering from the negative effects of Fibromyalgia, Varicose Veins, Cancer, Menopause Restless Leg Syndrome, Metabolic Syndrome.

 Spiritually, God has made our bodies to need rest and sleep. They are good gifts given in order that we would acknowledge and praise Him. He is the creator. We are His creation. We learn in Genesis that God rested after the six days of creation, not because He was tired (and He never sleeps), but because He was pleased with His creation.

We can honor God with our bodies when we take intentional time to rest, reflecting on our many blessings and having grateful hearts, acknowledging our dependence on Him. In the Old Testament, God instituted the Sabbath as a day when His people were to honor Him and do no work. But in the New Testament, the Sabbath is no longer a certain day, but a person-Jesus! If we've placed our faith in the finished work of Jesus, then He is our Sabbath rest now and for eternity! 

In our anxiety driven, broken world, we can lay our heads down on our pillows at night and have sweet sleep knowing we have peace with God. 

Thank you Pam for those helpful tips on how to rest our bodies and minds. Remember nothing happens separately. All pieces of the puzzle work together to keep on the journey to transformation. Please let us know how we can serve you.

Try one of our new stretch videos on our YouTube channel HERE, come to bible study, or a new TransFit session to worship with us!

If you have any questions or would like to meet with a trainer, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com. We want to help you transform your mind body and spirit in the last quarter of 2018!

Blessings,

Team TransFit

Healthy Gut Equals Healthy YOU!

Wow! We are off to a great start this week in the studio. You are working hard and making this second half of 2016 your best. We love seeing your positive attitude, determination, and willingness to give 100%! Thank you!  The summer is great time to try one of our new classes, to give your workout routine a kick! Who's up for a good challenge in our KickBoxing or KettleBell class? Or you can come release some tension and try our TransFlex class! Come join us Friday mornings at 6 AM for a FREE running group! In addition to working out, you know that nutrition is such a crucial part of your transformation. While I was in Arizona, I learned about the importance of your gut health and now I want to share some important information with you!

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The colon (gut) has at least 500 different kinds of bacteria! Wow! One of these bacterias is the bifidobacteria making up the majority of the "good" bacteria that is in your gut. This good bacteria is benefitted by the intake of probiotics. Probiotics can help your digestive track and help take up the space in your stomach that could be taken over by a less healthful product or organism. Probiotics can be found in foods that have live and active cultures. A great source of probiotics is found in yogurt, kefir, Kombucha, and sauerkraut.

It is important to choose yogurt products that are made with milk from cows that eat organic food. Additionally, try to choose yogurt or kefir that does not have any added sugars, colors, or flavors that have been added by heat after that were fermented. The best way to know if you are choosing yogurt that has the probiotics you need is to see if it has the LAC seal, standing for Live and Active Cultures. We encourage you to add more probiotics into your diet and then help the probiotics by eating more fiber, too!

Example of Greek Yogurt with Live & Active Cultures seal

Fiber is important for overall health, but it is found that around 90% of Americans do not meet the recommendation for dietary fiber. Women should work to eat 25 grams per day and studies encourage you to have 40-50 grams of fiber, in order to have optimal gut health. Adding fiber and probiotics to your diet can help the amount of probiotics in your colon, improving your health.

Here are some fiber-filled foods you can add to your diet! 

• Avocado- 1/2 cup serving size with 8 grams of fiber 
• Raspberries- 1 cup serving size with 8 grams of fiber 
• Lentils, cooked- 1 cup serving size with 15.6 grams of fiber
• Black beans, cooked- 1 cup serving size with 15 grams of fiber 

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In addition to your dietary needs, it is important to focus on your exercise, time spent resting, and the amount of sleep you get each night. As you know, exercise is such an important part of whole body health. Regular exercise can help you have a greater diversity of bacteria in your stomach. Sometimes we forget that rest is needed for whole body health. Stress can add to the amount of adrenalin your body gives off and therefore speeds up everything occurring in your body. As a result, adrenalin can cause your food to pass through too quickly and can lead to a negative impact on your stomach's health. Take time each day and week to add in time to rest. Lastly, a lack of sleep can alter your appetite and weight. You should try to sleep 7-9 hours each night. In order to improve your sleep, try to cut out fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine before you go to bed and work towards eating at least three hours before you go to bed. 

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Enjoy these new recipes that add in more probiotics and fiber to your meals! 

Flora-Flourishing Meal in a Jar

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup plain Kefir
• 1 teaspoon real maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons whole grain oats
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus additional for sprinkling 
• 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries 
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds or nut of choice

In a mason jar or bowl, combine yogurt, Kefir, syrup, oats, chia seeds, and ground cinnamon. Let stand 5 minutes.  Top with frozen mixed berries in jar or layer the mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon and top with almonds. Refrigerate overnight or up to two days. 

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Barley/Farro Black Bean Salad

• 1 cup of barley or farro, cooked according to package directions 
• 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn or edamame, (thawed if frozen)
• 1 roasted red bell pepper (from jar), diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced (about 3/4 teaspoon)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or Italian parsley
• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice 
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste 

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir gently to combine! Enjoy! 

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Try to add fiber and probiotics to your diet this week. You can do it! If you would like to meet with our nutrition consultant, Katie Woodall, please email us at transfitathens@gmail.com to set up a 1-1, 30 minute session. This 1-1 session will allow you to talk about you specific nutrition, meal planning, give you new recipes to try, and a plan to succeed! Let's finish this week strong! Let us know if you have any questions! 

Blessings, 

Team TransFit