Most athletes engage in warmups or stretches before exercising. Many also engage in cool-down exercises afterward to bring their body back down to equilibrium. However, few fitness enthusiasts engage in active recovery between workout sessions, despite it being a recommended activity. So, what exactly does active recovery mean, how can it be useful, and how can active recovery be achieved? We’ll delve into the topic of active recovery here. What is Active Recovery? Active recovery consists of engaging in low-impact exercises after intense exercise. The intent of active recovery is to still get your physical activity goals in for the day while still being gentle on your sore, overworked body. Active Recovery vs Rest Days You might be wondering, “Is active recovery the same as taking a rest day?” The answer is no. While both rest days and active recovery occur between workout sessions, they are almost opposite. Rest days typically involve no exercise, and sometimes less physical activity in general, while active recovery involves light yet productive movement. It’s evident rest days and active recovery are different, but their purpose is similar, considering they are both done to help the body recover after strenuous workouts. However, they just achieve rest and recovery differently. Rest days can still be important, but active recovery keeps you moving and still allows you to achieve the benefits of exercise during your break from strenuous or intense workouts. Benefits of Active Recovery Active recovery offers a handful of benefits for athletes. These light movements can improve blood circulation and the distribution of nutrients where they are needed the most. In turn, muscle soreness can disappear quicker, and workout-related injuries can heal faster. Athletes who engage in active recovery are also less likely to burn out. With some mild activity in between workout sessions, they’re more likely to feel mentally and physically refreshed before their next workout. And with fewer rest days, their workout routine will remain consistent, allowing them to progress faster. Examples of Active Recovery  You now know what active recovery is, but what exactly does it entail? There are a wide variety of different active recovery options to consider, depending on your fitness level and needs, such as:

• Walking
• Light jogging
• Stretching
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Tai Chi

How Recovery Lab Can Help As mentioned, active recovery involves light movement between workouts. But there are other things you can do between workouts for faster recovery, especially when there are injuries or severe pain involved. At Recovery Lab, we offer a variety of wellness services you can engage in on active recovery or rest days. This way, you can enhance your post-workout healing and reduce soreness after exercising. Our services range from inflammation-busting cryotherapy and red light therapy to muscle-relaxing percussion therapy and cupping therapy. We also offer mobility stretching, which can act as an active recovery activity on its own. Interested in learning more? Call Recovery Lab today to learn more about our wellness services and how they can be beneficial for you.