Active Recovery

Definition

Active recovery is an essential part of fitness training that promotes muscle recovery and injury prevention. It refers to low-intensity exercises and movements that stimulate the muscles and promote blood flow, increasing nutrient and oxygen delivery to the muscle tissues. Unlike passive recovery, which involves complete rest, active recovery involves light physical activity that helps to reduce soreness, stiffness, and fatigue in the muscles, leading to a quicker recovery.

Examples

Examples of active recovery include low-intensity exercises such as light jogging, walking, swimming, cycling or yoga, foam rolling, stretching, and mobility exercises. These exercises help to flush out toxins from the muscles, preventing muscle damage or injury, and improving overall wellness.

Synonyms

• Light Exercise
• Active Rest
• Recovery Workout

Antonyms

• Passive Recovery
• Complete Rest

Related Terms

• Warm-up
• Cool-down
• Mobility
• Flexibility
• Stretching
• Foam Rolling

Confused with

Active recovery is often confused with active rest since both involve low-intensity exercises. However, active rest implies taking a break from vigorous training sessions while maintaining low-intensity activities. Active recovery, on the other hand, describes exercises aimed at promoting muscle recovery after a workout.