As an athlete, you probably know the importance of stretching before you begin your athletic activity. But did you know recovering after your athletic activity is just as important? It’s true, and not only does recovery affect your physical well-being but your mental well-being as well.
Read on to learn more about the importance of athletic recovery, varying methods of recovery and the impact on mental and physical well-being.
The Importance of Recovery for Athletes
Working out is critical for your health, but a major part of working out is breaking down muscles so your body can build new ones allowing you to grow stronger. If you think this sounds nefarious, it’s because it is, as breaking down any part of your body causes damage that you need to allow your body time to repair.
This is where recovery comes in. Recovery gives your body the time it needs to rest and rebuild before you become active once more. This can get very frustrating for athletes who want to keep going. Still, if you forgo recovery methods, you could find yourself with a long-term or permanent injury, putting you on the bench for much longer than if you had taken the time to recover properly.
According to several doctors, if you want to see results when working out, you need to prioritize recovery as it is essential for your body to build new muscle and result in visible “gains” you can see in the mirror each morning.
Your body can’t make new, larger muscles when you are constantly stressing it, so if you want to improve your athleticism, recovery is a necessity.
The Importance of Athletic Recovery for Mental Health
Many people think of recovery methods to help athletic performance, but many fail to realize that recovery is also important for mental well-being.
There is a clear connection between physical and mental health. A long-term or permanent injury can lead to discouragement, low self-esteem, social isolation, and depression.
Additionally, if you are not engaging in physical activity due to an injury, it affects your mood because of the lack of endorphins in your body, which may exacerbate depression.
Methods of Recovery for Athletes
No one recovery method works for all athletes. Rather, what works for you and your body can vary widely from other athletes. You may even need to try multiple methods to determine which ones help you recover the best.
The most popular methods of recovery include therapeutic massages, stretching, cryotherapy, and using an infrared sauna. For best results, you should start using multiple recovery methods until you find the ones you like best.
Ready to Prioritize Recovery?
No matter what type of athletic activity you engage in, recognizing the importance of recovery is a must! Whether you want to try cryotherapy or an infrared sauna, HighKey Balance has it all. Get in touch with us today to get started on your wellness plan to prioritize your recovery!