What does "active recovery" involve?

Active recovery involves engaging in low-intensity exercise after a more intense workout. This approach allows the body to recover while still keeping the muscles active, which can help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness without placing additional strain on the body. Light activities such as walking, yoga, or gentle cycling encourage blood flow to the muscles, facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products and delivering nutrients to aid recovery.

Opting for complete rest after intense workouts, while it may seem beneficial, does not promote the same level of recovery as active forms would. Continuous high intensity or increasing workout duration can lead to fatigue and overtraining rather than aiding recovery. Lastly, high-intensity interval training is counterproductive in the context of recovery, as it places significant stress on the body, which is contrary to the goal of an active recovery session. Engaging in low-intensity exercise is the most effective way to support the body's recovery process.