Rest and recovery methods are critical components of a successful training program. For the most part, they are usually the least planned and often underutilized ways to enhance performance.
After a run, workout or fitness class — our bodies need to repair. Our bodies also need to recover strength levels, eliminate inflammation, and reduce the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness. To recovery successful, look into Float Tanks, Cryotherapy, and Compression Boots.Float Tanks
Float Tanks encompass sensory deprivation or R.E.S.T (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy). Usually, involves lying in a tank or pod filled with 10 inches of water with a high concentration of Epsom salt in order to make your body buoyant and float. The water and air temperature are normally maintained ~93.5 degrees Fahrenheit which is the average skin temperature. As you relax in the tank, your body is able to recuperate quickly so you can return to training with greater intensity. Many benefits: accelerates the recovery from injury, ideal space for visualization and mindset, reduces lactic acid levels in the body, facilities the reduction of muscle soreness, etc. An hour away from TV, cell phones, computers, and just the sights and sounds we deal with constantly.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy envelops the whole body in the cryogenically cooled air. Temperatures can reach -250 Fahrenheit for ~3 minutes or so. As a reaction to the controlled nitrogen temperature drop, the body's natural warming response increases circulation, while decreasing swelling and inflammation. Cryotherapy promotes anti-inflammatory properties, which can decrease recovery time by up to 50%, to improve your ability to train, recover and perform. The array of benefits are numerous: decreased fatigue, increased blood and lymphatic circulation, a boosted immune system, decreased recovery time, etc. Whether training as a professional, collegiate, high school, and recreational athlete — cryotherapy can help you recover faster, stay stronger and enjoy a more comfortable, pain-free workout.
Compression Boots
Compression Boots help athletes recover faster between training and after performance. The Boots use compressed air to massage the limbs, mobilize fluids and speed recovery. Similar to the kneading and stroking done during a massage, each segment of the attachment will first compress in a pulsing manner then release. This process will repeat for each segment of the attachment as the compression pattern works its way up the limb. The boots are a proven way to increase blood circulation. They also drive higher volumes of healthy, filtered, and oxygen-rich blood to your muscles as they rebuild. Also, mitigates stiffness, increase ROM (range of motion), helps prevent DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), reduces swelling and inflammation, enhances muscle performance and longevity.
It’s very important to keep our minds and bodies fresh. The goal is to recover faster from training so that you are ready to attack each workout. These 3 modalities (methods) are great to use year round and beyond to recover smarter. These tools are ideal for every athlete in every sport: triathlons, CrossFit, cross-country, track, cycling, etc. In order to perform better, you must recover better!
