Especially here in Fort Collins, Colorado, athletes are drawn to the many unorthodox recovery modalities that are popping up. Whether it’s stopping by the local Hydration IV Bar or heading to Stretch Lab to be able to itch your back with your knee, these types of recovery interventions are becoming more and more common. In general, there are so many fancy and complicated ways that people are trying to “optimize” recovery nowadays. Between excessive foam rolling, massages, high-tech compression machines, and cryotherapy … the list goes on.
“Fundamentals before foam rolling”
- Getting enough sleep
- Good nutrition
- Proper hydration
- Getting enough rest between training sessions
- Managing stress
These are the fundamentals of recovering well. They are the most effective factors that can make the difference between “recovering well” and combating soreness and fatigue.
Skipping the fundamentals of recovery and using some of these other modalities is like bailing water out of a sinking boat with a Dixie cup, instead of just patching the hull…
So here’s my advice…
If you’re someone who’s into fitness or sports, you know that recovery is just as important as the actual workout. That’s why there are so many recovery techniques out there, from foam rolling to ice baths to infrared saunas. However, not all of these techniques are created equal, and some may not be worth your time or money.
Here’s the truth: while some of these recovery techniques may feel good and provide temporary relief, they may not actually speed up your recovery or improve your performance. That doesn’t mean they’re harmful, but it does mean that you could be wasting your time and energy on something that isn’t truly effective.
But if you’re choosing to stay up for another 30 minutes, instead of going to bed, just so you can get in your stretching and foam rolling… then you’ve got your recovery priorities all wrong.
Master the fundamentals first. They actually make a profound difference when it comes to recovery!
