Active recovery

Active recovery

Active recovery

Search glossory terms

⌘K

Search glossory terms

⌘K

Active recovery

[ak-tiv ri-kuh-vuh-ree]

Phonetic (Standard)

/ˈæktɪv rɪˈkʌvəri/

IPA

Noun

Defintion for Active recovery

Active recovery is a low-intensity exercise performed after intense physical activity to promote muscle recovery and reduce fatigue.

Long Definition

Active recovery involves low-intensity exercise following intense workouts, promoting blood flow and aiding muscle repair. It helps clear lactate and reduces muscle stiffness, enhancing recovery without complete rest. Examples include light jogging, cycling, or yoga. For runners, active recovery can prevent injury, maintain fitness, and improve performance by allowing the body to adapt to training stress. It is often used between interval sessions or on rest days to keep the body moving while still allowing recovery.

Kaizen Insights

Active recovery in Kaizen's training platform or app refers to low-intensity exercises or activities that help improve recovery between intense workouts. It may be used to optimize training schedules, enhance performance, and prevent injury by promoting blood flow and reducing muscle soreness.

Category

Injuries & Recovery

Questions and answers

What is Active Recovery and why is it important?

Active recovery refers to engaging in low-intensity exercise after a workout session. It is important because it helps to reduce muscle soreness, improve circulation, and promote faster recovery. By keeping the body moving, active recovery aids in the removal of metabolic waste products and delivers nutrients to muscles, which can enhance overall performance and reduce the risk of injury.

How is Active Recovery measured or assessed?

Active recovery is typically assessed by monitoring the intensity and duration of the activity. It should be low-intensity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming at a gentle pace, and should not cause additional fatigue. The effectiveness of active recovery can be measured by observing improvements in muscle soreness, flexibility, and overall recovery time between workouts.

How can I improve, manage, or optimize Active Recovery?

  • Engage in activities like yoga, stretching, or light jogging to keep the body moving without overexertion.

  • Incorporate active recovery sessions into your weekly workout routine, especially after intense training days.

  • Listen to your body and adjust the intensity of the recovery activity based on how you feel.

  • Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support recovery processes.

How to train with the Kaizen app