I have posted numerous blogs on how counterproductive low intensity/long duration cardio exercise is for athletes who compete at fast speeds and require explosive movements during competition. This does not mean I never recommend low to moderate exercise for athletes though. In fact, after an intense training session, hard competition, or tournament I encourage my athletes to speed up their recovery process. One of the most effective means to speed up recovery is taking an active approach. Active recovery includes easy to moderate cardio such as jogging, biking, using the elliptical machine, or swimming. Lower intensity exercise actually helps with lactate removal (by product of high intensity training), muscle soreness, and cools down the core temperature a slower rate. Most importantly, many researchers have shown that active recovery improves the next bout of performance more than taking a passive approach (no exercise or activity) to recovery.
Other forms of recovery are just as important and beneficial. Proactive recovery methods would also include stretching, massage, myofascial release (self-massage), hot or cold bath, and proper nutrition strategies. These methods also help with lactate removal, muscle soreness, and improving future performance.
Passive recovery (no exercise) is important and worth discussing. I am specifically speaking about quality and quantity of sleep. Athletes require more sleep than the average person who sits around all day and does not push their body to their limits. All other recovery strategies do not mean anything if an athlete is not getting enough quality sleep.
Train Hard-Train Smart
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