Active recovery

Blaze · 05-Jan-06, 12:50 PM

My weight training coach pushes active recovery, meaning, on your off recovery days, you aren't supposed to sit around doing nothing, you should be out doing something a little bit active, but not overly strenuous to the muscles.
Anyone's thoughts on this as far as opinions go?

I just like to play football, or basketball, or go for a swim, or simply do a few pushups or core strengthening body excercises. For the most part though, I take it easy.

**maverick** · 05-Jan-06, 01:47 PM

I agree. I routinely do some light to moderate intensity cardio after intense leg days. The active recovery will bring blood and hence oxygen to the sore areas in need of repair and speed the healing process.

05-Jan-06, 01:51 PM

I am a believer of active recovery days which, for me, may be a brisk 2-3 mile walk and some stretching, maybe a yoga workout at the most.

But periodically, I do complete rest days which hopefully includes a power nap. My body lets me know when I should take the complete rest route rather than the active rest route.

**MostMuscle** · 05-Jan-06, 02:12 PM

I am for active recovery but an intense game of football or full court basketball may be a bit much. Like you said, just take it easy and enjoy life!

rbuchman · 05-Jan-06, 04:42 PM

I try to only stretch the muscles involved but I fully agree that anything you do with the rest of your body to get the metabolism up is a good idea.

Cardio after leg day is a debateable subject though, esp since you can't really avoid walking or stairs so you kind of have to use the muscles you worked yesterday.

Dins_PR · 05-Jan-06, 05:58 PM

I was told by the OSU sports medicine people that active recovery helps your muscles recover faster than just laying around. However, I definately take days off and do nothing to make sure everything is tip top. specially since I got 5 shots yesterday and now my damn shoulders hurt.

tim_mcf · 05-Jan-06, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbuchman

Cardio after leg day is a debateable subject though, esp since you can't really avoid walking or stairs so you kind of have to use the muscles you worked yesterday.

From my personal experience, a shorter, moderate-intensity run the day after leg day really helps to work out the DOMS and speed recovery.

**.V.** · 05-Jan-06, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim_mcf

From my personal experience, a shorter, moderate-intensity run the day after leg day really helps to work out the DOMS and speed recovery.

Or a nice walk if that's all you can manage. Like pierini says, "listen to your body" if it feels up do doing something - do it. If it needs to rest - then rest.

If it needs to only rest everyday - it's lying to you.

**Jaster** · 06-Jan-06, 06:58 AM

I think Active Recovery helps a great deal.

**.V.** · 06-Jan-06, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaster

I think Active Recovery helps a great deal.

yeah but you lift like thousands of pounds what would you possibly know about it

.

Dins_PR · 06-Jan-06, 09:40 AM

I need to hire someone to push me around in a wheel chair the day after I work legs... or ride a pony everywhere. OR train a pony to pull me around in a wheelchair, GENIUS!!!

**.V.** · 06-Jan-06, 10:00 AM

pony+wheelchair=nice run. Or just get a guy with a pedicab to pull you around - then at least someone is getting some good cardio. Payback is on his leg day, you do chest then pull him around.

Hey, we may come up with a new fitness gimmic here. Swapping pedicab rides.