By Mason Murphy
Recovery!!! Recovery!!! Recovery!!!
I cannot stress enough how important this piece of the fitness puzzle is.
So many athletes and average Joe’s seem to think that not doing anything or just drinking a protein shake is enough to get the back to 100%, when in reality they are lacking a system of recovery.
The first four pieces of Innovative Results’ Recovery System are Rest, Sleep, Manage Stress, and Focus.
Rest is so vital to recovering because now days’ training, or should I say “over training” is all about grinding out your workouts and lying dead on the ground after. If that is the type of training you prefer, you must make sure that you take days off and rest to give your body a little chance to recover.
Sleep is the next item in the IR system, it is so important that you get at least get 8 hours of sleep every night. Regardless of whether you are a top level athlete or a weekend warrior, most of your body’s muscle growth kicks into full effect when you are counting sheep. I was a culprit of having the “graveyard shift” mindset until I realized that I was having trouble completing important tasks the next day, which is why I created my own “mandatory 8 hours” time block where I now force myself to get that much needed recovery sleep.
Managing Stress is third on our list of correct recovery. Stress can be a key ingredient in your life’s “detrimental pie”, and if you do not manage it by meditation, occupying your time with a hobby, or something else that puts a smile on your face it can take over your life. Being preoccupied with life’s stresses, will not only keep you from reaching 100% recovery both mentally & physically, there is also a good chance it will keep you from working out entirely.
Last but not least is Focus, the #1 component in achieving all of the previous things that I just went over. If you lack focus, there is a huge chance that you will be on and off your path of fitness, which could eventually lead you down a road you never want to see or maybe have already experienced. Some things such as obesity, heart attacks, and even cancer can be prevented in some shape or form by just staying focused on all of the right things.
Catherine says
I believe that most people disregard or overlook the recovery part to a work out. Just like nutrition and how it controls 80% of the success while working towards a goal, while working is only 20%, recovery is a HUGE part of a successful fitness goal. If the body is not getting sufficient rest, then all the hard work the body is outputting is backfiring.
Aubrie Pohl says
Recovery allows the body to recuperate after demanding movements that are challenges for the muscles and joints. If you are experiencing a plateau in your strength/power but are blasting through vigorous workouts, check to see how much time you are dedicating to recovery. This is the time for the body to heal and prepare for future workouts, but if one doesn’t give the body time for it, the muscles and joints are being taxed for all they can do and will become tiresome! Allow both the body and mind to come back to their tranquil equilibrium and experience the benefits.