Active recovery

Options
dsproffitt
dsproffitt Posts: 11 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
To keep within your calorific limits, but also keep the mind active with endorphins on down days, what active recovery activities happen with peeps here?
Super active cyclist - would be pushing hard and out every day if my legs could stand it.
But I know the value of off days.
I’m about to start swimming again & ran two 5k last week.
But I’m still 15kgs overweight after a 30kg loss and I need to work on my upper body strength.

So, is swimming breast stroke classed as active recovery?

Replies

  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    Options
    A walk. A ride where your HR and power both stay under 100. A swim is a good choice too.
  • Runaroundafieldx2
    Runaroundafieldx2 Posts: 233 Member
    Options
    Yoga or be you're own gym.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,811 Member
    Options
    I do upper body and core strength training on off days from cycling which gives my legs recovery time.

    I only have rest days when either I'm getting general fatigue (as opposed to muscles needing recovery) or simply can't fit in some exercise.

    If my legs need a recovery ride then it's a zone 2 easy ride avoiding big hills. Walking also works. Low intensity swimming could well be a good option for active recovery as well.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Options
    dsproffitt wrote: »

    So, is swimming breast stroke classed as active recovery?

    It would depend entirely on your intensity; a leisurely pace would be a yes, training like a competitive swimmer would be a no. That frog kick can be tiring for your legs.

    If you're trying to rest your legs a little more between hard rides swim freestyle using a pull buoy, very little leg movement and you're using your upper body to propel you through the water. That's how many triathletes train in order to save their legs for the ride & run.

    The alternative would be a nice z2 ride.

Categories