I’ve been trying to make sleep more of a priority for myself. I start work usually around 3am-4am, and getting to bed early enough was always a struggle. It’s been a few weeks of getting to bed around 7:30-8 in the evening, and I feel like I’ve been feeling a lot better. I’m performing well in the gym, but besides that, I get up easier in the morning, I’ve been getting sick less, my mood has improved, and mentally it makes me feel better about being on top of that area of my health.
Most of those don’t relate directly to my gym performance, but if I was always struggling to wake up, getting sick, cranky/sad, and disappointed with my lack of discipline, I feel I’d probably be doing worse in the gym, if even going at all.
I have never done ice baths or epsom salt baths. Will probably try them out someday, but haven’t felt the need yet. Also, don’t have a bathtub at my house haha. I also don’t eat very well, so I can’t quite comment on how I’ve improved that and how it’s helped me.
I stretch after I lift. Not very much - if I do a lot of volume on squats I’ll stretch my quads/hip flexors and glutes. I feel it helps reduce soreness. I’ve started doing some weird type of stretch for what I believe is my thoracic extensors. It feels amazing. I got it off some guy on YouTube who recommended it for learning how to handstand. I’ll try to find a picture later. Anyway, no idea if it helps anything, but it feels really good.
I walk about 3-5 miles a day for work, so I rarely feel the need for more walking. I don’t do any sled work, but have thought about giving it a go for a warmup. I treat yoga the same why I do stretching - I don’t know how much it helps me, but it feels good so I sometimes do it. I’ve done hot yoga a few times for the hell of it, and honestly, I loved it. Felt really good afterwards.
Go to the chiro every month or so when I can afford it. Mostly for my neck and back. No issues, just feel a little better when I’ve been adjusted. I’ve gotten a masage once and I really liked it. I really felt good after it.
Only take ibuprofen and similar meds when I’m sick or for a headache. Also all natural.
I don’t train very hard. 3-4 days a week. I feel I do very minimal things for recovery, so I’m not sure “need it” or not. But mentally it feels good for me.
I like these threads you’ve been starting! Interesting to hear others’ responses.