Why Am I Not Recovering Quickly?

Some of you are not going to like this..But you are the ones that need to hear it.

The body is a magnificent machine.  It takes so much abuse and keeps on performing every task we ask of it and many that we are not even aware of.  It makes concessions, it heals, it is virtually non-stop in its efforts to repair and balance and restore.  The number of processes that are taking place in the body at any given moment in time is truly astonishing.  That being said, our bodies NEED rest, downtime.  No matter what your physical fitness level is, your body needs rest.  Perhaps this is even more true for the athlete.

Building recovery time into any training program is important because this is the time that the body adapts to the stress of exercise and the real training effect takes place. Recovery also allows the body to replenish energy stores and repair damaged tissues (www.verywell.com)

From Michigan State University: Athletes understand the importance of exercise training for optimal performance and improvement. However, rest and recovery is also an important aspect of an exercise program because it allows the body time to repair and strengthen itself in between workouts. It also allows the athlete to recover, both physically and psychologically.  What happens during the recovery period? The body is allowed to adapt to the stress associated with exercise, replenishes muscle glycogen (energy stores) and provides time for the body tissue to repair.

So, if you are getting the appropriate rehab for an injury and not healing as quickly as you think you should, perhaps you should consider building in some R&R- some days off- your favorite activities will be there when you come back and your body will perform for you better than ever!