Lifestyler: The power of active recovery

Josie McKenlay 10:11 08/12/2016
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  • The fitness trend over the past few years has been high intensity, driven by a desire to get fast results and become a better version of yourself (a clichéd buzz phrase).

    I’ve had clients unable to make their Pilates sessions because they were in such pain from the a Bootcamp course; injuries suffered from “Pilates on steroids” during holidays abroad; even yoga hasn’t escaped with the emergence of the high intensity yoga styles and hot yoga.

    I’ve had people come to class who can barely do anything because they have just come from a

    high-intensity class.

    Don’t misunderstand me: I like nothing more than feeling that I’ve left everything on the bike or mat, dripping with sweat and all those endorphins racing around, but there are several issues that need to be considered:

    1. Results are gained by a lifetime commitment to a regular, well designed exercise programme.

    2. Results should be health and well-being driven: you will get a fit body by regularly work outs. But that shouldn’t be your motivation for embarking on a quick fix burst at the gym. This often leads to unrealistic expectations and the impossibility of maintaining them.

    3. Intense workouts are very challenging and not for beginners. This is why so many people end up injured. They require a heightened amount of body awareness. Instead of listening to your body, you are likely to work through the pain.

    So, if high intensity is your preference, ensure that you build up to it, listen to your body and balance your workouts with active recovery.

    The rise in popularity of Yin yoga and ball rolling therapy, both of which work on releasing myofascial tissue to balance strength with length, is a step in the right direction.

    The idea of taking a day off between intense workouts has been around for years, but these active recovery workouts add another dimension: they aid recovery, intensify the benefits of workouts and satisfy the fanatics amongst us who love to exercise almost every day.

    Rest and recovery are critical components of any successful training programme. They are also
    the least planned and underutilised ways to enhance performance. Recovery refers to actions taken to maximise the repair of your body.

    It should include hydration, nutrition, posture, stretching, self-myofascial release, stress management, a good night’s sleep and heat/ice/compression if necessary.

    Recovery involves chemical and hormonal balance, nervous system repair and more. Active recovery is essential for competitive athletes, but also ensures the safety and full benefits of regular workouts.

    Whilst writing this, the obvious springs to mind: yoga. Yin or hatha will challenge you in a different way, stretch your tired muscles, release the deep fascia, balance your internal systems and reduce stress.

    If you can find a class that adds ball rolling and other therapies, you have the perfect recovery day. Try a restorative Mind class at DEFINE Dubai, Dubai Marina or a ball therapy workshop with Emilie Goldstein (check her out on Facebook and Instagram).

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