How Much Recovery Do You Need? Part 3

Many people flinch when you mention recovery. They seem to think that recovery is something you do after you get injuries. In reality, recovery is one of the most powerful things you can do to prevent injuries. At our Houston gym, we see recovery as a skill that’s just important as lifting form, because an athlete who knows how to recover is unstoppable. In our last blog, we discussed several things to take into account as you explore what recovery means for you. Today, we have two more things to consider.

What type of exercise did you do?

• A workout is more than a workout. Depending on whether you ask your muscles to do eccentric or con
  centric motions, your recovery will look different. Eccentric movements like bench presses or squats require longer recovery time, whereas Olympic lifts are easier on your muscles and don’t require the same time.

Fast twitch muscles need more recovery

• Because fast-twitch muscles are used intensely every once in a while, they need longer recovery time. The more intense a workout is, the more recovery time is needed. If you think about it, the longer you push your fast-twitch muscles, the more tired they get, and the heavier the weight feels. Don’t underestimate that effect; it’s a fast way to get hurt.

At Houston Gym, we are proud to offer world-class personal training, fitness classes, and premier equipment. We invite you to come in for a tour and let us show you just what makes us the best. Contact us today!

Read Part 4