Did you just start a new strength routine or try something new like CrossFit or spin class? Are you sore? Instead of complaining about your soreness, do something! It’s called ACTIVE RECOVERY. Active recovery allows you to move through your full range of motion at a lesser intensity, helping you bounce back faster and avoid wallowing in soreness.

I believe that 3 days a week is ideal for Strength Training and that it’s imperative to give your body time to rest and recover. When we push ourselves out of our comfort zones during those 3 days, we’re challenging our bodies. Challenges are good, but there needs to be something that we’re doing to maintain balance.

Here are my FIVE favorite ways to actively recover this summer!

ACTIVE RECOVERY TIP 1: Perform the ultimate combination of easy cardiovascular exercise, a dynamic warm-up exercise and a full body strength exercise such as the circuit below.  

ACTIVE RECOVERY TIP 2: Get cozy with the foam roller OR give yourself some yoga tune up ball loving!

Give the following sequences a try:

ACTIVE RECOVERY TIP 3: DO YOGA at your local studio.

A beginner to moderate hour long flow can be an amazing way to breathe, sweat and move!

ACTIVE RECOVERY TIP 4: Head outside for a hike, leisurely bike ride, SUP or swim! 

smart strength active recovery

ACTIVE RECOVERY TIP 5: Treat yourself to a massage!

After all the work you put in to creating and maintaining a healthy body you deserve this type of reward.

What do YOU do for active recovery? Share here!