6 Ways to Stay Safe at the Plex and During Your Workout

1. Know your body’s limits. (But don’t test them! Studies show that workouts become less efficient when your body is under an excessive amount of stress.) Listen to your body. If you’re in pain, there’s no need to push yourself – and always seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you need it!

2. RICE. Always. Rest Ice Compression Elevation – Especially if you’re prone to shin splints (here’s looking at you, runners!)

3. Protein – but don’t skimp on complex carbs! To all you protein shake junkies who eat a ton of eggs, grilled chicken, bananas and peanut butter, you’ll be surprised to hear that protein combined with complex carbs (like high-fiber granola, or multi- and whole-grains) maximize muscle recovery.

4. Stretch. – The one you hear all of the time.

I know, I know. You all know this one. But just to review body mechanics: when you work out, you tear your muscles. If you don’t stretch them out to adapt your body to its new muscular limits, lactic acid builds up among the tears, and that leads to the tightness and soreness the next day. Sorry. I know. You know. Got it?

5. Do modified workouts when you need to.

Pull a Fats Amy when you need to. 

If you don’t have this dog’s fine form during your workout, your workout isn’t beneficial to you. There’s also a proper way to run to avoid injury – look it up!