Friday the 13th! Know what that means right?

Today is Friday, March 13th . . . you know what that means, right?

No it has nothing to do with a hockey masked serial killer who can magically slow-walk faster than anyone can possibly run.

Nope!

It’s much cooler than that. It’s my burfday! That’s right. Today marks the 35th anniversary of the day the ol’ Chewster, and his big mouth, entered the world.

And as I move deeper into my 30s I remember the conversations I used to have with my “old” training partners back when I was an 18 year old kid who knew nothing about anything.

The guys in their 30s and 40s would talk about aches and pains and how “after 30 you really start to feel your body.”

Being 18 years old I thought they were just being wimps. . . Then I turned 29 and realized I was hurting all the time from hard training and lifting. I remember walking up the stairs on my 29th birthday thinking “what’s happening to me.”

Here’s the good news. At 35 I feel better than I did when I was 29.

And that’s because when I started to “feel” my body more I started to take time and focus on recovery. I’ve become a student of improving my lifestyle off the mats just as much as I try to improve my techniques on the mat.

Because all the techniques in the world aren’t going to help me if I’m beat down, injured and fatigued.

And if you’re a little older like me and wanting to keep the body going or perhaps you’re younger (and smarter than I was at 18) and want to keep your body healthy for the long haul here’s some quick tips to start with.

– Make time for rest (just like you make time for training)
– Don’t eat garbage and expect your body to run well.
– Stretch after training (you’ll thank me later).
– Weight train to support your body.
– Value your sleep and be disciplined to get adequate amounts.
– Use contrast showers on days you’re really sore.
– Meditate for 10-20 minutes everyday.

Those should keep you busy for a while if you’re really serious about recovery.

And if you’d like more in depth tips of some of the things I’m trying right now, then join me inside the Chewjitsu Vault where this month I have a ebook style newsletter with some useful tips for recovery.

Everything from specific diet related tips to ideas on getting the most from your rest days.

(Click here to join the vault)

Alright, I’m off to enjoy my day of birth.

Talk to you guys next time!
-Chewy

If you’d ever like to train with the team and I. Check out my gym Derby City MMA in Louisville, KY.

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