I hope last month’s sleep protocol has helped you feel more rested and focused.  The next topic of discussion in the “what are we leaving out” series is recovery.  This is something I talk tirelessly about at the end of class...and with good reason.  Many of us believe that the more we train, the greater the intensity, the better our results.  Ask yourself this...have you ever felt that after 3 consecutive days of vigorous training you are feeling more listless then energtic?  Or that how your body feels after your training hinders your every day activities?   Has simply climbing the stairs become so draining that a very important meeting on the 3rd floor must be cancelled simply because the only elevator in the building is on the fritz?  If so, is our training really working for us?  May I suggest the preposterous notion of training to feel better...the idea of not to wear ourselves down to the bone.  Sounds simple and logical, no?  Well, it is.

It all boils down to your ultimate goals.  Why are we doing what we are doing?  Pretty simply, there is no need to do more then we need to do.  After 1-2 intense training days, please. welcome yourself to an easy training day, or (you better sit down for this one) take a day off.  The amount of rest really depends on exactly what you are doing.  Of course, not challenging your body enough may result in nothing as well, so talk to a trainer about creating a balanced training schedule.

The body needs time to repair tissue damaged during training and replenish energy stores after a tough workout.  Without it, the body will continue to break down, both physically and psychologically.  Your risk for injury increases.  You may experience lackluster feelings and even depression.  With adequate recovery time, you allow your body to perform optimally.

So...sleep well and train hard with requisite recovery.  Stay tuned for more...