What is an active recovery?
Do you find yourself a bit lost on rest days? Are you supposed to do nothing? Put your feet up? Do strength work?
I would definitely argue for an active recovery. Gentle exercise to keep you moving without too much impact. It'll give your body the rest it needs, whilst also ensuring you get increased blood flow your muscles and soft tissue. Providing the nutrients and fluids your muscles need to recover and adapt to the training you're doing.
Movement also gives your immune system the boost it needs by improving lymphatic drainage. Not to mention all the mental health benefits to daily movement.
BUT there are some key things to remember to get the most from an active recovery;
Keep it low impact; a HIIT session is probably not your first choice
Focus on your breath; practising full wide breaths not only helps your running, but it'll lower your heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels. All essential for a great recovery
Little and often; if you've got a few days or even a week of rest planned, then spreading out your recovery sessions is going to be much more effective than an intense session followed by days of nothing.
If you need some inspiration for your next R&R session then check out this week's YouTube video!
Wishing you a great week of running and Pilates.
Liz
If you want a week's worth of short sessions then check out the 7 day free membership trial HERE!
