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Your bodyneeds time to restin between hard exercise sessions so that it can repair itself properlyand come back stronger.
Drazen Zigic / Getty Images
But that doesnt mean you gotta avoid all activity on your rest days.
Here’s why active recovery should be part of your weekly workout routine.
What is Active Recovery?
That can mean anything fromyogaor light stretching, a walk, or a leisurely jog.
In general, an active recovery day features easy workouts no more than low to moderate intensity.
Active vs.
Unlike passive recovery dayswhere youre sitting on your couch all day binge-watchingStranger Thingsactive recovery days involve movement.
ensure both types of rest are regular parts of your workout routine.
Research shows tai chi offers a host of aerobic fitness-boosting, pain-relieving benefits.
This tried-and-true recovery activity not only increases flexibility, but it also teaches proper breathing techniques and body control.
Repeat for a total of three to four rounds.
As a bonus, you might use these light training sessions to work on perfecting your exercise form.
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It should leave you feeling more refreshed than absolutely exhausted, Almeyda tells SELF.
Both rank amongtrainers' favorite foam rollers.
In addition, the water pressurehelps improve circulationin the muscles, blood vessels, and heart.
This throw in of cardio elevates your heart rate and makes you break a sweat, Corak says.
Its also great for building cardiovascular endurance.
Corak recommends going for 30 to 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, this option from Reebok won our award for best walking sneaker.
Get in some steady-state cardio by cycling instead.
Just ensure to keep the intensity lowno intervals on a recovery day!
Forcycling at home, this lightweight, relatively budget-friendly bike from Sunny Health & Fitness.
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Take this 90s throwback for a spin.
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