Post-Season Recovery

If your season is just beginning or just ending, you will have a recovery period coming up soon. Unlike what you may think, this is actually a very important time. Your body needs rest so it can recover and help you prep for your next season. Learn ways to maximize your time off below!

Training

Many athletes train during the offseason in hopes of improving for next season. You always want to be bigger, faster, stronger, etc. It is okay to go out and engage in sports and activities, as long as you do so wisely. Hiking and biking are great choices! If you are unfamiliar with something, introduce it slowly until you feel comfortable doing it. If you aren’t a runner, your body may not be used to high impact sports and could cause injury. Injuries are unexpected and often can set you back in terms of goals.

Other Activities

While you may love swimming and you are eager to improve, a recovery period is important for a reason. You may not feel the need to rest and take a break, but your body needs it. With your free time, try hanging with friends and doing other activities that don’t involve the water. During your season you may not have as much time to do what you’d like so do it now. Use this time for traveling or picking up new hobbies, you won’t regret it!

Maintenance

Just because this is your off-season and you are busy doing other things, it doesn’t mean you should stop cold turkey. This could do more harm than good when it’s time for you to train again. Maintaining doesn’t require much effort; just give yourself a few hours per week. Whether its weight sessions or body weight sessions at home, you will easily maintain your muscle tissue for the upcoming season.  By staying in shape over post-season, you will come back refreshed, revived, and ready to go!

Enjoy your break!