As an athlete, proper recovery is just as important as your training itself, especially
during the hot summer months. Intense heat and humidity can put extra strain on your
body, making recovery even more crucial. By prioritizing recovery strategies, you'll be
able to train harder, avoid burnout, and boost your overall athletic performance.
Stay Hydrated
One of the biggest challenges in summer is staying hydrated. When you sweat more due
to the heat, you lose both water and electrolytes, like sodium and potassium. Be sure to
drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after training sessions and competitions. Water
is essential, but you may also need sports drinks to replenish electrolytes lost through
sweat. The general rule is to drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of body
weight. All you have to do is weigh yourself, then divide the number of pounds by two to
figure out your needed water intake.
Prioritize Sleep
Quality sleep is a must for recovery. Establish a cool, comfortable sleeping environment
during the summer months. Consider using fans, air conditioning, or cooling mattress
pads to prevent disrupted sleep from the heat and humidity. Aim for 7-9 hours per night
to allow your body to fully recover.
Incorporate Active Recovery
While rest days are important, active recovery like light cycling, swimming, yoga, or foam
rolling can also aid the recovery process. These low-intensity activities help promote
blood flow to flush out lactic acid and other metabolic byproducts that build up during
intense training.
Fuel Up with Nutrient-Dense Foods
What you eat plays a key role in how well your body recovers. Focus on nutrient-dense,
anti-inflammatory foods like:
● Lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs)
● Fruits and vegetables (berries, leafy greens, bell peppers)
● Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil)
● Complex carbs (quinoa, brown rice, oats)
These foods provide the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and macronutrients needed to
repair muscle tissues and restock energy stores.
Use Cold Therapy
After tough summer training sessions, use cold therapy techniques like ice baths,
cryotherapy chambers, or simply applying ice packs. The cold exposure helps reduce
inflammation, muscle soreness, and perception of fatigue to speed up recovery.
Consider Massage Therapy
Massage is an effective way to enhance recovery by increasing blood flow, reducing
muscle tension, and flushing out metabolic waste products. Treat yourself to regular
sports massages, or invest in self-massage tools like foam rollers.
By implementing these summer recovery strategies, you'll be able to train harder,
recover faster, and take your athletic performance to new heights. Listen to your body,
stay cool, and make recovery a top priority.
Try Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive approach to enhance workout recovery and
prevent injuries, especially during the summer months when physical activities tend to
increase. Intensive workouts can restrict joint mobility, leading to stiffness and
decreased range of motion. Chiropractors employ techniques like adjustments, joint
mobilization and soft tissue therapies to restore joint function and flexibility. Improved
joint mobility aids in recovery by reducing post-exercise soreness and enhancing joint
stability. Chiropractic care also incorporates techniques such as massage therapy,
myofascial release, and stretching exercises to alleviate muscle tension, reduce
inflammation, and enhance blood circulation, facilitating faster recovery.
References:
Racinais S, Alonso JM, Coutts AJ, Flouris AD, Girard O, González-Alonso J, Hausswirth C, Jay O,
Lee JK, Mitchell N, Nassis GP, Nybo L, Pluim BM, Roelands B, Sawka MN, Wingo J, Périard JD.
Consensus recommendations on training and competing in the heat. Br J Sports Med. 2015
Sep;49(18):1164-73. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094915. Epub 2015 Jun 11. PMID: 26069301;
PMCID: PMC4602249.
Doherty R, Madigan SM, Nevill A, Warrington G, Ellis JG. The Sleep and Recovery Practices of
Athletes. Nutrients. 2021 Apr 17;13(4):1330. doi: 10.3390/nu13041330. PMID: 33920560;
PMCID: PMC8072992.
Comments