What is REST and RECOVERY?

You’ve blasted 5 workouts this week.  Yesterday you ran 10 trail miles. Well, you power-hiked the uphill, walked a few sections, and jogged the downhill, but IT WAS 10 MILES!  So, today, Sunday, you are going to rest.

rest (n.): an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity.

Notice what is missing from that definition?  There is no mention of eating greasy, fatty food, being lethargic and sedentary, or drinking your face off at your friend’s BBQ.  Rest and Recovery takes active participation.  It means giving your body what it needs to be refreshed for another week of strenuous activity.

5 Activities to do on your Rest-Day

1. Get on your roller.  Even just for 5 minutes.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  Aim for 12-16 oz of water straight out of bed, and before every meal.  
3. Try a new superfood.  Finding whole-food options that complement your weekday effort help keep the fit-minded thinking alive on your rest days.
4. MOVE.  No need for a crazy workout, but move.  Walk your dog an extra long route, ride your bike to the grocery store, or climb up and down the slide with your kids a bit more than normal.
5. Plan your week ahead.  Use your rest day to visualize the week of activity ahead.  Plan our your workouts and watch how your anticipation for the week influences your rest-day decisions.