One thing I noticed about being in my late thirties is that I don’t “bounce” back like I used to. Whether it’s from a night out or a long day at the barn, I seem to need a recovery day afterward.
This past weekend, I attended a yoga class. The next day, I rode two horses. And by Monday, I felt like I needed a vacation (or at least some time in the infrared sauna seen above). Then, yesterday, I took a mat pilates class in a heated room. Now, today, I feel like I need some Advil and a massage. As this scenario began to happen more frequently, I started thinking that my body was falling apart at an early age. However, I soon learned that it was a normal part of being out of shape. While I used to work out more regularly, I have become something of a “weekend warrior” these days.
This experience got me thinking about aging. As I’ve gotten older, whenever I feel an ache or pain, I constantly think something is wrong with my body. Last fall, I went to the orthopedist because I swore I had a tear in my rotator cuff and arthritis in my neck. He ordered an MRI, and apparently, everything I was feeling was a natural part of aging. He recommended things like physical therapy and incorporating stretching or acupressure into my routine to help with recovery and manage any discomfort. While sometimes it may feel frustrating not to be able to exercise how I would like to, I’ve learned it’s more about how I treat my body and what it needs from me that I should be mindful of.
In an effort to limit my recovery days after exercising, I’ve found my way into the infrared sauna more frequently. Not only does it soothe my muscles, but it also aids with inflammation, helps me sleep better, and promotes clearer skin. After 30 minutes in 140 degrees, I’m more relaxed and feel like a new person. So, that’s how I’m combatting aging—one infrared sauna session at a time.
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