Reasons Why Recovery is Just As Important As The Pre-Game Routine

Across the sports landscape, athletes of all walks of life experience a pre-game & post-game routine. From Tom Brady playing until the age of 45 to a local high school junior trying to get to the next level, recovery has become a crucial aspect of athlete longevity & success. The following are 3 reasons why recovery is just as important as the pre-game.

            First, active recovery is imperative. There are times when you’re finished with a workout/game, and you might not feel like moving. However, actively moving will keep your blood flowing, as well as keep you energized for an extended period. One way to achieve this is by jogging around for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that you do not experience muscle fatigue & soreness the next day(s).

            Second, “chilling out” aka a cold plunge. This is one recovery method that has taken the public/athlete space by storm as of late. Athletes, as well as regular people are realizing the benefits of completing a cold plunge after a workout. Just a few minutes in a cold plunge will help reduce inflammation and relieve soreness, which will also help get you ready to tackle the next day.

            Finally, and this might be the most crucial aspect, the diet. The old saying goes, “you can’t outwork a bad diet”. Why is this important? Well, by not consuming the proper foods after a workout, the recovery process will suffer. Some great examples of post-workout recovery foods include protein shakes, rice cakes, bananas, and even peanut butter toast. Eating these types of foods will help restore muscle that’s lost after a workout, as well as increase performance for the next one. There are numerous other reasons why recovery is just as important as the pre-game routine. However, these 3 reasons will get you started towards success!