Most athletes know that getting enough rest after a workout is essential to obtain a higher level of performance, but yet many athletes still overtrain and don’t leave time for the body to recover. Building recovery time into a training program will not only give your body time to adapt to the stresses exercise puts on your body, but will also improve your overall performance. Cryotherapy can help athletes who are looking to speed up their recovery process so that they can get back to doing what they love in a shorter period of time.
How the right recovery routine can enhance performance
An article posted by Human Kinetics states “the recovery process is essential in maintaining athletes’ physical and psychological well-being and crucial in the pursuit of intense physical training and satisfying performance”. Rest and recovery allow the body time to repair and strengthen itself between workouts. The body needs time to adapt to the stresses associated with exercise. Rest and recovery help the body replenish muscles and repair tissue.
How cryotherapy can help with recovery
Exercise causes changes in the body such as muscle tissue breakdown and depletion of energy. Cryotherapy has proven to effectively reduce pain and inflammation, enhance blood circulation, increase range of motion, improve muscles’ capacity to regenerate, increase energy levels, and shorten recovery time.
The Welsh rugby team began using cryotherapy before the 2011 Rugby World Cup and found that players were able to practice harder and longer, felt more refreshed, and took less time off between sessions.
Athletes should use cryotherapy within 0 to 24 hours post-exercise for optimal results. Expect to feel rejuvenated and refreshed after a 2 to 3-minute session.