How to make the most out of your recovery days

When asked about your days "off" or recovery days, what comes to mind?

For many, laying on the couch and not moving a muscle is the image of what makes a good day off.
And while your body needs the rest after rigorous strength training workouts, mild or moderate activity can take your recovery to the next level and have quite a few benefits to your workouts. 

Active recovery is an easier workout compared to your normal training. Typically this workout would be done on off day from training.
Having a recovery day is not only to recover physically, but many times mentally. Try to make it a point to pick an activity that is particularly enjoyable.

There are at least 3 benefits of having active recovery days:

1. It can help with mood and energy throughout the day versus not doing anything at all on the day off.
2. It can be a great opportunity to stretch and recover the muscles while you might not have enough time on your workout days to do that.
3. Many people find it easier to adhere to their diets on days they are active. And recovery days can give you some free time to get to the grocery store and plan meals.

Below is the list of activities done and recommended by Shine Staff on recovery days: 

Kim:
-       Walking or hiking with friends
 
Jason:
-       Walking or Hiking with friends
-       Stretching using benches, steps and walls
-       Walking while at work
 
Jen:
-       Dynamic warm-ups
-       Walking
-       Low-intensity cardio
 
Dean:
-       Walking the dog
 
Mikayla:
-       Short runs
-       Hiking
 
Erzhena:
-       Yoga
-       Zumba
-       Walking
 
Other great ideas to focus on and enjoy:
-          Playing sports (baseball, cricket, basketball)
-          Foam-Rolling/Stretching/Yoga 

By: Erzhena Soktova