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Super Goal

We cannot all be blessed enough to be super athletes, but I would think that many of us consider ourselves athletes on some level.  With the Super Bowl right around the corner, it is interesting to look at the habits of those successful enough to lead their teams to this monumental arena.  I know, I know, neither of the teams participating this year are NY teams, and it’s not really the right time for big parties, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the competitive spirit of this upcoming game with some loved ones and maybe scoop a tip or two.
 Tom Brady is a sore subject for some and a legend for others.  The one thing that can be agreed upon is the man’s unquenching athletic ability.  With 6 Super Bowl wins in his career, and another potential, it is clear that Brady has mastered his craft.  His take on hydration is equally as regimented as his workout routine.  He drinks between 14 and 37 glasses of water a day, depending on his physical activity, and believes everyone should drink at least half their body weight in ounces of water per day.  Brady will not drink when he eats, rather 30 minutes before, and he waits about 1 hour after eating to drink anything again.  He believes this aids in absorption and digestion.
Though this is incredibly disciplined and noteworthy, it is not for everyone.  Water is imperative for all bodily functions, and while we are made up of at least 60% water, it is important to note that we are the key to replenishing that water supply. The brain and the heart are 73% water, the lungs are 83%, the skin 63%, and the muscles and kidney are 79% water.  Hello, super important people.  But what is the right amount of water?  There is such a thing as overhydration, which could happen if you prescribe to the Brady method.  The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine states that men should drink about 15.5 cups per day and for women it should be about 11.5 cups a day.  This should be modified depending on exercise, pregnancy, overall health and environment, but if you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is light yellow or colorless, you can be sure you are intaking appropriately.

Increasing your mobility and flexibility can enhance your workout goals and improve your overall well being.  While any stretching is a great way to improve your flexibility, dynamic stretching or stretching through a movement can be even more beneficial.  Dynamic stretching allows for your muscles to go through full ranges of motion, and can provide better mobility in the movements of your workout or daily life.  Healthline outlines five basic exercises that can increase flexibility, which are ankle mobility, walking hip openers, thoracic spine windmills on the floor, shoulder pass-throughs, and neck half circles.  You may find that you have soreness in certain muscles more than others, and seeking out the correct stretches is an important way to ease that soreness.

After having a baby a little over a year ago, I’ve seen my body go through changes.  Parts of my body that weren’t sore before are now, and some of my joints are still recovering from the pressure of new weight carried over a prolonged time.  What hasn’t changed is that movement is still medicine.  I still crave physical activity for my brain and my body, I just need to be more thoughtful in how I prevent pain or injury.  Though we may not be Super Bowl winning quarterbacks any time soon, taking specialized care of our bodies is still important.  Water yourself, speak kindly to yourself and stretch towards the sunlight, you got this!   

by Catie Zimmerman

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