Spoiler alert: it's a proper recovery plan. A comprehensive recovery is critical for athletic performance. Here are some recovery methods that pro athletes and fitness experts use, backed by scientific data.
Active Recovery
Many athletes who engage in high-intensity sports opt for active recovery methods to help improve performance and allow the muscles and joints to bounce back after an intense session. Some of our favorite active recovery methods include gentle swimming, a slow jog, and riding a bicycle on a flat, comfortable surface. The idea behind active recovery is to engage in low-intensity cardiovascular exercise to enhance and promote muscle recovery while losing none of the fitness gains and contributing to further strengthening and improving performance.
CBD
Exciting new studies show that CBD can help enhance recovery after intense sports. According to this paper, CBD helps recovery by acting on the endocannabinoid system and aiding the muscles in bouncing back after intense exercise. Many retired athletes, such as Carson Palmer, Rickie Fowler, and Ann Meyers Drysdale have embraced CBD as a part of their recovery regimen. If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of CBD in exercise recovery, Level Select has a whole range of effective products that include CBD and other plant-powered ingredients to enhance your recovery. Whether it’s topicals such as creams, roll-ons, sprays, drops, or gummies, you’ll find everything you need to create a comprehensive post-workout recovery routine.
Hydrotherapy
Used since ancient times, water has been used to relax and soothe. Research indicates that hydrotherapy can be effective in aiding sports recovery. There are many ways to utilize water in your recovery regimen. You can use it hot or cold, or combine the two. Some athletes use ice baths or cold showers to help recovery. Many professionals and enthusiasts claim hydrotherapy helps soothe their muscles and improves performance. One of the most common methods, known as contrast bath therapy, involves alternating between immersing in hot water and freezing cold water. Of course, always consult your doctor before trying something like this. There are other ways to use water to boost sports recovery. Examples include water massage methods, gentle swimming, and so on. It’s a fascinating world to explore!
Plant-based Remedies
Humans have been using herbs to enhance their sports recovery for thousands of years. Among the most commonly used herbs are menthol and camphor. Natural menthol is extracted from the peppermint plant and there are numerous studies that show it is effective in soothing mild aches and pains when applied onto the affected area. Camphor is extracted from the camphor tree’s bark, and it has natural soothing, pain-relieving properties that people have been using for thousands of years. If you want to go the natural, plant-powered route in your recovery, menthol and camphor are a great option, one that has stood the test of time. Want to try it out? Level Select CBD Sport Topicals all contain pure, naturally sourced menthol and camphor that helps ease muscle and joint discomfort so you can take your training to the next level. Formulated by doctors who are experts in pain management, Level Select CBD contains only the best ingredients from natural sources. Harness the power of plants and Nature’s pharmacy to give yourself the best natural recovery. All gains, no pains!
Final Thoughts
Ready to elevate your recovery and take it to the next level? Try incorporating some of these recovery recommendations into your routine and see what works best for you. Of course, what works for one person, may not work for another and you may want to try a few things, mix and match a few and finally find the routine that works best for you. Once you do, make sure you shake it up every now and then and do something different. You may discover something interesting and new. As always, if you want to try something new or add something to your routine, consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider before you start anything new.