Should I Incorporate Active Recovery into my Wellness Routine?
How many of you have experienced the 'day after' feeling following an intense workout? Sore muscles, difficulty moving, and the overall feeling of exhaustion are common symptoms of a tough workout session. While it's important to challenge your body during exercise, it's equally important to prioritize rest and recovery in order for your body to properly repair itself and adapt to the stress of training.
Enter Active Recovery. Active Recovery is the strategic use of low-intensity exercise on the days following intense workouts. It's like giving your body a gentle nudge, reminding it to keep moving and stay flexible, without putting undue stress on your muscles. Think of it as a cool-down phase that helps your body to recuperate while still keeping you active.
We've got you covered with everything you need to know about active recovery and how it can boost your wellness journey.
Why Choose Active Recovery?
Here's the big question: why should you incorporate Active Recovery into your fitness routine? Let's break down the key benefits:
Prevents Injury: By keeping your muscles active, you are helping to prevent injury. Active Recovery promotes blood flow and circulation, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. This is especially beneficial for those who participate in high-impact sports or activities.
Accelerates Your Recovery: Did you know intense workouts leave behind lactic acid, a notorious contributor to muscle soreness? Active Recovery promotes better blood circulation, helping to maintain flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness.
Elevates Your Mental Health: It's not just about physical wellbeing. Light exercise on your off days can help reduce stress and anxiety, keeping your mind as fit as your body.
How Often Should You Use Active Recovery?
Ideally, you should incorporate Active Recovery sessions 1-2 times per week. But remember, your fitness journey is as unique as you are, and this schedule can vary based on your age, fitness level, and workout intensity.
Here are a few tips to guide you:
If you're new to exercise or returning after a long break, start with more frequent active recovery days and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.
For those who are used to high-intensity workouts, scheduling an Active Recovery day after particularly intense sessions can help improve your overall performance.
Fitness is never one-size-fits-all, and your individual factors such as age, activity level, and ability play a role too. As we grow older, our bodies take a bit longer to bounce back, so more frequent Active Recovery days could be beneficial. Listen to your body and find the balance that works best for you.
Remember, it's always best to consult with a professional — like our CORE57 trainers — before making changes to your fitness routine.
What Can You Do for Active Recovery?
You may be wondering, what type of low-intensity exercises count as Active Recovery? The answer is anything that gets your body moving and blood flowing without overexerting yourself. Here are a few examples:
Yoga or Stretching: These activities help to improve flexibility and range of motion while also promoting relaxation. Plus, you can do them from the comfort of your own home.
Light Cardio: Activities such as walking, jogging, or cycling at a low intensity are great for promoting blood flow and getting your heart rate up without putting too much strain on your muscles.
Swimming: The weightlessness provided by water makes swimming an ideal active recovery activity. It's low-impact, great for cardiovascular health, and can help reduce muscle soreness.
At CORE57, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all. We understand that each individual is unique, and so is their wellness journey. Our trainers keep detailed notes of your progress, special requirements, and personal goals to create a truly personalized approach to wellness.
Our Active Recovery classes, such as Recovery Yoga, Pilates. and Stick Mobility, are carefully designed to meet your specific needs. Our experienced coaches are equipped with the knowledge and passion to guide you safely through every step of your wellness journey.
Bring Active Recovery to Your Fitness Routine with CORE57
At CORE57, we understand the importance of proper rest and recovery in achieving your fitness goals. That's why we offer a variety of classes that incorporate elements of Active Recovery, such as yoga, Pilates, and stick mobility, roll and restore and more. Our certified trainers will guide you through each session, ensuring that you get the most out of your Active Recovery days.
Don't let sore muscles and exhaustion hold you back from reaching your full potential. Incorporate Active Recovery into your fitness routine with CORE57 and experience the benefits for yourself! Keep pushing towards your goals, but remember to give your body the rest it needs to keep performing at its best. Join us for an active recovery class today and see how it can help you stay on track!