Active Recovery
As someone who is used to putting his body through it, whether that be playing Ice Hockey as a Netminder, Boxing or competing in Strongman, I understand the importance of active recovery which is why we stock a number of active recovery products that are designed to aid you in your body’s recovery.
What is Active Recovery?
Active recovery is a lighter form of exercise of lower intensity that you would usual carry out the day after a heavy or more strenuous session.
An example would be, going for a walk. Practicing Yoga or Pilates, going for a gentle swim.
What are the benefits of Active Recovery?
Active recovery will help reduce lactic acids build up and increase blood flow. Active recovery over passive recovery will reduce muscle pain and decrease the likelihood of cramping up, or suffering heavy delayed onset muscle soreness.
My preferred method of active recovery is Yoga, as there is a lot within yoga that truly helps with muscle recovery, but also flexibility.
Particularly when it comes to more athletic sports that require fast twitch muscle fibres, we have noticed that including a yoga session once a week will aid recovery whilst also improving flexibility.
Top 5 Active Recovery Products For Home Use?
- Massage Roller:
https://www.budsfitness.co.uk/product/phoenix-fitness-deep-tissue-massage-roller/ - Massage Ball:
https://www.budsfitness.co.uk/product/myga-cork-massage-ball-trigger-point-massage-ball/ - Stretching Band:
https://www.budsfitness.co.uk/product/phoenix-fitness-10-loop-stretch-strap-ideal-for-yoga-pilates-rehab-and-physical-therapy-orange/ - Exercise Mat:
https://www.budsfitness.co.uk/product/phoenix-fitness-extra-large-exercise-mat-black/ - Resistance Bands:
https://www.budsfitness.co.uk/product/rdx-poly-cotton-fabric-resistance-band/
- Massage Roller:
https://www.budsfitness.co.uk/product/phoenix-fitness-deep-tissue-massage-roller/
Massage Roller. Ideal for use on larger areas such as your back, upper leg or shoulders. Use for muscle recovery during an Active Recovery session to iron out any muscular niggles you are feeling and to reduce any muscle tears that may be forming.
2. Massage Ball:
https://www.budsfitness.co.uk/product/myga-cork-massage-ball-trigger-point-massage-ball/
Massage Ball. Similarly to the Massage roller in position 1, the massage ball is designed for muscle recovery during your active recovery. The Massage Ball however will work more so on pinpointing specific muscles that need targeting and will work more acute on smaller surface areas such as your calves, biceps or feet.
3. Stretching Band:
https://www.budsfitness.co.uk/product/phoenix-fitness-10-loop-stretch-strap-ideal-for-yoga-pilates-rehab-and-physical-therapy-orange/
We are all aware of the benefits of stretching, the inclusion of a designated stretch strap simply allows us to measure our progression through the stretch by using the 10-loop number system to guide us.
The 10-loop system allows the ultimate control as the loop hooks comfortably to your hand allowing a safe stretch without fear of slipping.
4. Exercise Mat:
https://www.budsfitness.co.uk/product/phoenix-fitness-extra-large-exercise-mat-black/
An exercise mat of any description is an absolute essential for home work out, but when it comes to stretch, and completing complex yoga poses this Extra Thick Phoenix Fitness Exercise Mat allows you to do your stretch in comfort and know that your joints are protected from hard floor direct contact.
5. Resistance Bands:
https://www.budsfitness.co.uk/product/rdx-poly-cotton-fabric-resistance-band/
Resistance bands allow you to add additional resistance to your home workout, and your active recovery without having to load up a barbell, or have your house filled with heavy weight equipment. Resistance bands will allow you to build strength in a gradual and controlled way.