Americans Underestimate the Importance of Recovery and Sleep to Overall Fitness | State
According to a recent survey conducted by the Almond Board of California of 3,000 U.S. adults, most Americans say exercise recovery is important but might not practice what they preach. While 76% of respondents report exercising weekly, 30% don’t believe that their fitness routines are intense enough to need recovery and 22% don’t believe they exercise often enough to need recovery. Skipping recovery may be why two thirds of Americans report their muscles are sore after exercising.
Fitness gains depend on a pattern of stress (training) and growth (recovery). Historically, exercise has emphasized pushing harder in order to realize fitness goals. New advances in physiology and exercise science show that focusing on recovery — including sleep — can not only make training more impactful, it can also guard against injury, broaden overall fitness, and improve mental health as we stretch and strengthen.
“I am constantly coaching my clients about how important exercise recovery is to their overall fitness routines, and that includes the foods they’re choosing to eat,” says sports dietitian Angie Asche. “Almonds have always been one of the foods I gravitate toward and recommend to others, because they make me feel good following a workout. I’ve noticed less fatigue and muscle tension whenever I eat almonds as part of my exercise recovery routine, which is why I always grab a handful or two after a hard workout in the gym or a nice long run outdoors.”
“Both recovery and getting enough sleep are very important to my fitness routine,” says Abby Price, Summit Skier. “As an avid skier during the winter season and passionate hiker during the spring, summer, and fall, I’m constantly on the go and trying to maintain my health and fitness routine. I prioritize stretching and using a massage gun to keep my muscles loose for recovery and try to get at least 7 to 10 hours of sleep every night to help my body recover and remain energetic.”
Recovery Technologies Are on the Rise
From infrared saunas and cryotherapy to the advent of recovery trackers and even footwear, recovery technologies are trending. Leading organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), publicly espouse the benefits of recovery in performance and injury prevention.
Echelon, a global fitness, wellness, and sports leader, has acquired ThriveX — a company focused on advanced recovery products, including cold immersion systems, smart hybrid saunas, and compression boots. ThriveX’s mission to elevate wellness through cutting-edge technology and personalized programs makes next-level recovery accessible to the masses. The innovative approach to enhance recovery and overall well-being was developed by a diverse team of athletes, biohackers, and wellness enthusiasts to revolutionize cold therapy and recovery.
New Fitness Classes Emphasize Recovery
24 Hour Fitness recently announced the launch of two new Modus group fitness classes concentrating on improved recovery, physical resilience, and quality of life as we age. Modus Mobility features content centered on active recovery and range of motion to build athletic performance, while Modus Move focuses on stability, neuromuscular activation, and everyday athletic skills on a platform built around sport and gameplay.
Along with an improved understanding of recovery, renewed interest in quality of life as we age has come to light. This suggests that we can have a substantial influence not only on the length of our lives, but the overall vigor and capacity for motion we can find at any age.
“These classes have been meticulously designed around the latest scientific research to deliver real change to our members,” says Mike Heim, head of programming and education at 24 Hour Fitness. “Longevity training or ‘fitness for life’ is an area that is far too underserved in group exercise. Having both of these programs helps our members get the sort of fitness benefits they can enjoy today and for the rest of their lives.”
Quality Sleep Is Crucial for Overall Health
Mattress specialty retailer Mattress Firm has teamed up with WNBA player Cameron Brink on a new initiative underscoring the crucial role of sleep on physical health. Team Sleep Well will unite top athletes and sleep experts with cutting-edge sleep technology on a mission to redefine what peak performance means to both professional athletes and everyday people.
“As a professional athlete, quality sleep has always been essential to my performance on and off the court, and just as crucial to my success as exercise and a balanced diet,” says Brink. “That is why I am thrilled to be joining Mattress Firm’s Team Sleep Well as its founding member, where I’ll get a chance to help millions of Americans understand the true importance that quality rest has on well-being.”
Alongside Brink, professional runner Kenny Bednarek will be joining Team Sleep Well as a part of Mattress Firm’s broader mission to help Americans sleep well so they can live well. By delving into the world of sports, Brink, Bednarek, and several other rising talents will spotlight the critical role of rest and recovery in achieving athletic greatness.
“I’ve traveled the world rock climbing, mountain biking, and playing disc golf,” says Corey Turner, DiscGolfDash. “These activities place significant demands on my body, requiring a balanced approach to training, rest, and recovery.”
Turner adds, “With age comes wisdom, and I’ve learned that less is often more. In my younger days, I pushed hard every day, but now I prioritize sustainable performance. This means shorter, more intense sessions with ample recovery time. Good sleep and rest days are essential. Ironically, adopting a mindful approach to rest and recovery has led to greater gains and prolonged enjoyment of the sports I love.”
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