Active Recovery Workouts
Athletes go through rigorous training on a daily basis. This physical activity often results in muscle fatigue, soreness, etc. Active recovery workouts are effective in promoting faster recovery and better performance. Active recovery exercise is a light and low-impact exercise to gain swift recovery. As an athlete, you need to take part in active recovery after finishing exercise. Let's learn about various benefits and methods of active recovery workouts in our discussion below
Benefits of Active Recovery Workouts
The most prominent benefits of active recovery are:
● Active recovery workouts reduce lactic acid buildup in the muscles.
● Active recovery technique increases blood flow to muscle tissue.
● It removes metabolic waste from the muscles.
● It also reduces inflammation, muscle soreness, and pain.
● Active recovery workouts reduce muscle stiffness.
● It promotes the delivery of nutrition to muscles
● It helps gain faster recovery after intense exercise.
● It also improves muscle flexibility.
● It reduces the risk of injury during training sessions.
Active Recovery Methods
Various methods and exercises for active recovery are available for different purposes. Each exercise has its benefits. Let's discuss the common recovery methods of active recovery workouts.
Walking
Walking is the simplest form of active recovery technique. It is a light activity with multiple benefits. It is cost-free and does not require any gym equipment. Walking regularly can improve sleep schedule, reduce stress, increase muscle flexibility and promote swift recovery.
Swimming
Swimming is also an effective method of active recovery. It is a low-impact exercise which significantly enhances the performance of athletes. Gentle swimming can reduce muscle inflammation, prevent sore muscles, and give a relaxing and soothing feeling to the body.
Yoga
Yoga is one of the most effective active recovery workouts. Yoga has diversified effects on both body and mind. It offers relaxation and refreshment. Gentle yoga has a positive impact on maintaining blood glucose levels, reducing musculoskeletal pains, improving posture and increasing blood flow.
Cycling
Cycling or bike riding is a beneficial form of active recovery workout. A light bike ride can ensure a faster, more active recovery. It increases blood circulation in the body and helps recover muscle soreness from a prior workout.
Stretching
Dynamic stretching is a physical exercise of putting a body part in a particular position to elongate a certain muscle group. It is effective in enhancing muscle flexibility and elasticity. This method of active recovery workout helps in healing after an intense training schedule.
Self-myofascial release with a foam roller
Self-massage, or self-myofascial release, is another effective method of active recovery workout. Any individual can easily perform this self-massage with a foam roller. Recent studies confirmed that self-myofascial release with a foam roller is impactful in reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness after high intensity interval training (HIIT). Also, it reduces muscle tightness, soreness, inflammation, and many more.
Final Words
Hopefully, you have gained a proper insight into the active recovery workouts. You can apply these techniques and incorporate them into your routine to achieve your health goal.