Active Recovery Days That Actually Help
Smart recovery days help athletes show up fresher, not softer, at the next practice.
Recovery days are not lazy days. Done right, they speed up healing, reduce soreness, and prepare athletes for the next hard session. Done wrong, they become an excuse to do nothing or accidentally turn into another workout.
Active recovery means low-intensity movement that increases blood flow without adding stress. It also includes sleep, hydration, and simple mobility work.
Good active recovery options:
- Easy bike ride or walk
- Light mobility and stretching
- Soft-tissue work with a foam roller
- Extra focus on sleep and hydration
Barnett, Using Recovery Modalities Between Training Sessions (2006)
Recover With Intention\n• Recovery days are part of training\n• Move lightly instead of doing nothing\n• Better recovery = better performance
Plan one active recovery session this week instead of another hard workout.
