Courtney Hope Instagram – Prioritizing recovery has been JOURNEY. As an athlete and a dancer I LOVE power moves and high activity, and slowing down has been my life long struggle (in every area, quite frankly). BUT the more I strength train in between barre, pilates, dance, running and yoga the more I see deep stretching and recovery are not a recommendation they’re a requirement. My body doesn’t hold elasticity like it did 10/20 years ago, and strength training puts a different type of tension on my body especially in my hips and hamstrings. If I want to stay flexible, I have to work at it more than before. I could’ve saved myself from many injuries and chronic pain if I had stopped being stubborn earlier🙈 Recovery affects every area of my life, simply because the better I feel the better I can show up and be present for others. Sometimes I hold positions and sometimes I flow. I dedicate at least one to two minutes in each position when I want a deep release, and I’m really starting to crave it finally! I love to put on music and move my body in whatever way feels natural. I believe our bodies tell us where tension is being held and how we can release it if we just take the time listen. Recovery and mobility are essential for longevity in our movement and well-being. Are you taking time to nourish the balance of rest and slow movement your body needs? I also love the metaphor with the word “intensity” BEHIND me that I noticed after the fact😜 .. new chapter baby, with intentional slower movement. * If I looked distracted, it’s because I never want to make anyone else around me uncomfortable by filming. I kept looking to make sure no one was prominently in the shot.