ADVANCED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Hoping to improve your  endurance, become more powerful, feel stronger, or run faster? 

It’s easier than you might think.

Whether you’re hoping to hit a farther golf drive, run a quicker mile, or serve aces in tennis, the key to accomplishing your goal could be as simple as improving your nutrition, taking HIIT classes, or booking a session (or four) with a physical therapist. Add assisted stretching to your routine and you’ll be well on your way to quick recovery from tough workouts and increased flexibility.

Read on to find five ways to boost your performance today!

1. Take a HIIT Class

Also known as High-Intensity Interval Training, HIIT classes are all the rage. They involve quick periods of intense exercises alternating with lesser active recovery periods. Ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, HIIT classes are the perfect solution for busy people who don’t have enough time to fit in a long workout multiple times a week.

Despite exercising for less time, researchers found that those who partake in HIIT routines reap the same benefits as those who partake in moderate-intensity exercises for double the time. This includes calorie loss and improved oxygen consumption.

2. Schedule a PT Session

Whether you’ve been injured or are dealing with chronic pain, physical therapy is one of the best ways to get back to doing the things you love. Regular sessions with a physical therapist can help improve your recovery time, reduce pain, and increase overall strength. Each of these
benefits is key to boosting performance.

Trained physical therapists can adapt your exercise routine to help improve mobility through assisted stretching and strengthening exercises. They can also teach you how to move in safer ways to reduce pain and prevent further injuries. Then, they’ll create a plan to help you develop an
at-home exercise routine.

Book a session with our Norwalk-based partner, Advanced Health Professionals, to get on the
road to recovery.

3. Book an Assisted Stretch

Stretching regularly is one of the best ways to improve your performance. If practiced properly, stretching can increase flexibility, boost range of motion, and improve blood flow. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, practicing PNF stretching
(a.k.a. proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) can be effective at reaching these results quickly.    

Personalized stretching can also help prepare muscles for the activity you’re about to participate in, making it even more likely that you’ll see a positive impact on your overall performance. According to our Certified Stretch Practitioner, Evan Bonenfant, stretching can also help you get more zzzs. “The improved sleeping caused by stretching can also help an athlete mentally prepare for game day,” he says.

Not sure how to get the most out of your stretch? Book a session with one of our certified
stretch practitioners today. They’ll devise a personalized stretching
regime guaranteed to get you ready for your next race, game, or meet.

4. Mix and Match Wellness Treatments

Combining treatment methods is a stellar approach to increase recovery time and improve overall performance. At The Vital Stretch, we use tried and true, state-of-the-art treatments like Light Stim, Hypervolt Percussion, and the Ergo Wave Massage Table to help improve your health.  Learn more about them in last month’s blog about boosting recovery: 

5. Revamp your Diet The cleaner you eat, the better you feel. The better you feel, the stronger you’ll become and the better you’ll perform. So, reach for a handful of healthy, energy-inducing foods today. Raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are your best bet. They provide the body with essential vitamins and nutrients, healthy fats, and proteins necessary for good health.  

Next up: drink more water. We all know the importance of staying hydrated, especially when we’re putting our bodies to the test with a ramped-up exercise routine. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses a day, more during exercise.  When you’re hydrated, your heart doesn’t need to work as hard to pump blood and
oxygen through your body as you exercise.

Now that you know how easy it is to improve your performance, it’s time to kick your wellness routine into gear. We can help! Our personalized stretching regimes can boost flexibility, improve circulation, and increase your range of motion. And the best part—you’ll see these improvements almost immediately. Book a stretch therapy session today.