Giving your body the TLC it needs after a hard workout or game is essential. Recovery allows your aches and pains to heal, so you can get back to 100 percent sooner rather than later. And every athlete has a different recipe for achieving this goal.
Recently, we shared information about using cold therapy for a quicker recovery, which spurred a Facebook question on how you recover.
A couple of early responders agreed with the original STACK Blog post. “Ice bath,” said STACKletes Cam Dakin and Gerry Gomez. No doubt ice baths help keep them in top shape—and injury-free—during football and track seasons.
Dakin, in Hamilton, Ontario, adds yoga to his recovery regimen. In the past, we’ve discussed how yoga, besides helping those seeking enlightenment, is an excellent way to keep your hips and shoulders loose [check out three yoga poses that are good for athletes].
Milton Mora keeps it simple with “SLEEP.” It may seem obvious, but many athletes don’t get enough sleep, especially high school student-athletes, who have a lot on their plates. Yet it’s important to be like Mora and get adequate sleep [read more about how sleep improves athletic performance].
Recovery strategies vary from athlete to athlete. But their goals should be similar: taking the time to heal their bodies before getting back to work and making sure they get enough rest.
Join the recovery conversation on our Facebook page, and keep posting for a chance to be featured in a future STACKletes Speak Up article.
Photo:  tennismd.com