The Retreat at Mountain Brook’s two 24-hour fitness centers are fantastic resources for the busy residents of this luxurious Birmingham, Alabama, apartment community. And what better time to take advantage of them than now, when you’re returning to your routine—or starting a new one—after the winter holidays?
The centers feature a variety of multi-function machines, resistance bands, rowing machine, wide range of weights, and treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes. No need to pay extra for a gym membership when you can take advantage of onsite Inspire Fitness equipment, right?
The Idea Specialists™ at The Retreat at Mountain Brook are also making more time in their schedules for health and fitness, and want to share some resources and ideas with you!
New Year, New App?
Maybe all you need to stay motivated is that weekly Fitbit report on your step count, and/or you’re perfectly satisfied with the fat-burning feedback you get from your Apple watch.
Or, maybe you’re in the market for a new app, one that provides target area-specific workouts, or effective full-body workouts that can be done in as few as 5 to 30 minutes? Or one that you can use to change your approach to eating, or help you to begin a meditation practice?
The Idea Specialists™ recommend Daily Workout Apps—it’s like having your own personal trainer, they say. They also found this great list of apps on Verywell Fit, an award-winning resource for credible and up-to-date information on all nutrition and exercise topics: Best Fitness Apps to Download
Work Your Body & Your Brain
Verywell Fit also has put together an excellent list of podcasts you can listen to while you’re exercising: The 31 Best Fitness Podcasts to Listen to Right Now
After checking it out, The Idea Specialists™ are now really into Mind Pump, an online radio show/podcast that describes itself as being “dedicated to providing truthful fitness and health information.” They’re also fans of Half Size Me, a weekly show that focuses on sustainable weight loss. Its host, Heather Robertson, lost 170 pounds—and has kept it off.
Running Buddies
If 2022 is the year you’re planning to lace up your running shoes and hit the streets, then you might want to join the Birmingham Track Club, a non-profit organization of the Road Runners Club of America that encourages running/walking participation of all individuals regardless of distance or pace. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, joining the BTC is a great way to meet like-minded people—on training runs and at social events—and stay informed of running events in the area.
Hit The Trails
One of the great things about living at The Retreat at Mountain Brook is how close it is to so many great hiking trails, including Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain Park. The Birmingham Track Club website offers a ton of information on trail running that is also very useful for those who would rather take a hike. Alabama Recreation Trails is another good resource for hikers, and you can search for trail groups if you want to enjoy the great outdoors in the company of others.
Rest & Recovery
Whatever fitness activity you choose, The Idea Specialists™ want to remind you not to forget to devote time rest and recovery, and that includes consuming the right nutrients after you exercise.
Healthline explains that after you engage in physical activity, your body tries to rebuild its glycogen stores, as well as repair and regrow muscle proteins. It’s especially important to eat carbs and protein after your, they say, because doing so helps your body:
- decrease muscle protein breakdown
- increase muscle protein synthesis (growth)
- restore glycogen stores
- enhance recovery
Have a glass of chocolate milk and some peanut butter on rice crackers as a quick snack, or cottage cheese and fruits. If you’ve got more time, whip up an omelet with avocado spread on whole grain toast, or make a protein shake and drink it and eat a banana.
Whatever you do, stay hydrated! While water is usually your best bet, sometimes an electrolyte drink is the way to go.
Relaxation
Hydration is also very important if massage is part of your health and fitness regimen. Drink water both before and after your session, whether you’re getting a deep tissue massage for relaxation and stress relief at Life Touch Massage, Red Mountain Therapeutic Massage or one for pain relief at Birmingham Wellness Massage.
The experts at WebMD say your massage therapist will thank you if you drink water before you stretch out on the table because your muscles will be more soft and supple, which makes it easier for your practitioner to manipulate tender tissue. And, this body work releases substances you should flush out afterward, something that’s extra important if you get any type of heavy-duty massage.
Happy New Year, Happy New You!
