Recovery > Exercise
We usually think that we exercise or work out to build muscle, but that's dead wrong. Our activity and performance actually strains the tissue and stresses the body. So how do we get bigger, stronger, faster?! RECOVERY.
It is impossible to increase athletic or daily performance without adequate recovery. For the most simple analogy, think about how your energy levels are after a 5-day stint of less than ideal sleep patterns. Yeah, you're dragging it, right?
In the terms of athleticism and performance, the body needs time to repair itself, to build new muscle, and even to mentally adapt to the stressors.
Here at Minnesota Movement, one of our favorite recovery tools is the NormaTec Boots System.
What are the benefits? Who is it for? How does it work?!
1. Normatec boots decrease muscle tension and inflammation
Inflammation as it relates to athletic performance has been researched heavily in recent years and it has been linked to a range of different performance and health issues. This doesn't necessarily mean that it's bad! There is such a thing as good inflammation, especially if we harness that for new cell growth. The Normatec boots at Minnesota Movement can help decrease muscle tension and inflammation, which helps reduce recovery time.
2. Decreases recovery time
When you reduce inflammation, you help reduce the overall recovery time for your muscles. This helps give you the benefits of good recovery whilst also increasing the time you can spend in the gym and training! No matter if you are a full-time athlete or just love the sport you are involved in, decreasing recovery time gives you more time to do what you love and is one of the key benefits you can get when using Normatec boots.
3. Increase range of motion and flexibility
Increasing range of motion is important for a wide variety of sporting activities as well as life in general (chasing those kids down or reaching to put your socks on is difficult too!) The Normatec boots help to increase the range of motion in your legs by increasing the overall quality of your muscle recovery.
4. Reduces swelling and water accumulation
Swelling can be inevitable after you have had a serious or minor injury but also, to a lesser degree, after a heavy activity level. And this is where the Normatec boots really come into their own and offer some fantastic benefits to your recovery. By decreasing the fluid retention while using the Normatec system, we create an 'artificial pump' of sorts that helps form a recycling system. Bad stuff out and good stuff in.
5. Normatec boots increase circulation
Poor circulation has been linked to a range of different health issues ranging from symptoms like numbness or tingling all the way to the extent of poor power production while working out. The Normatec boots can help increase circulation which is great both in terms of overall recovery and performance or general well-being. Better circulations contributes to the health of both your heart and muscular tissues and is another great reason to incorporate Normatec boots into your recovery strategy.