This week we center our discussion on the topic of recovery, its need, and when we should actually be looking to take it. In a culture where “hard work” is glorified, “beast mode” is amplified, and the notion that harder will get you there faster is something worth having a conversation around. 

While most people bristle at answering a question with another question, there is one that we MUST answer before we can get to work, what are we actually recovering from? 

It’s important to note because different pain points will require something different. The true problem arises when we begin to generalize “recovery” without any true intention. Don’t take recovery and you might just find yourself burnt out and not where you want to be. Take too much recovery and you’ll never reach your destination, metaphorically or otherwise. 

#1. You should rest and recover if you begin to feel nothing but soreness. 

While being sore after a training session isn’t all that uncommon, perpetual soreness is something we want to watch out for. Causes can stem from the style of training you’re choosing to participate in, too much inflammation, dehydration, or even the excessive time you spend in certain positions. 

Solution: Drink more water, seriously, most of us are dehydrated and when we get tired, are we reaching for the next coffee or some water? Most will choose the coffee. Another solution is to increase the frequency of your stretching (daily) and mobility, as well as, understanding when adding load or choosing body-weighted exercises. 

#2. You should rest and recover if you notice an overall decrease in energy. 

There's a difference between being tired and being chronically fatigued. Another dead giveaway that some recovery is needed is when activities that you once enjoyed become something you no longer do, some people experience “burnout” simply because they don’t know when to push, and when not to. 

Solution: Dive into your training. Is it balanced? A balanced training system will (should) include the conversation about recovery. Why? Because recovery is where we get better. When we understand the “how” the “why” is easier to do. 

#3. What are you actually doing on your “recovery day,” and does it actually lead you towards feeling better? Taking a rest day from your training so you can “rest” shouldn’t lead you to the local Happy Hour. Why? Because alcohol is notorious for stripping people of rest and recovery, not enhancing it. 

Solution: While taking a rest day, are you mobilizing for the next session? Instead of “nothing” what CAN we do that will lead us to the next objective. Truly doing nothing is rarely the answer. 

So if you are someone who is feeling like you need to take some rest, take it, but first ask yourself, does this (fill in the blank) subtract from your overall goals and objectives? Self-awareness is everything.