We all know rest and recovery plays a very important role in our athletic performance and improvement, but what’s not as well known is how different types of recovery can help us in different ways. Recovery allows your body to repair itself and adapt to your current training load - but how does short term and long term recovery differ?
Short Term Recovery
Short term recovery consists of the steps you take immediately after a training session. This can include your cool down, stretching or post-workout food or drink. These recovery tools aid you by decreasing the length of DOMS and fatigue you might feel the next day. The food and drinks you choose to consume after exercise will help to replenish your energy stores, prevent muscle breakdown and assist in muscle building. Getting quality sleep in between training sessions is another short term recovery step that will help in improving performance.
Long Term Recovery
Long term recovery techniques refer to recovery options that are built into a seasonal or annual training program - this can include rest days and/or weeks, or modifications in types and intensities of workouts as competitions approach. Taking advantage of rest days by scheduling recovery sessions that will aid you in your particular sport can significantly help your overall performance. Alternating between active rest days and complete rest days should also be a long term recovery technique you use.
Recovery Options at STAR
We have plenty of both short and long-term recovery options available for use right here at STAR. Pop in right after a workout to use our foam rollers or stretch area, or book in for a cryo, sauna or compression session on your rest day. Taking a week off? We have plenty of recovery packages that will benefit your recovery - take a look in our store for more information.
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