Monday, 29 August 2011: Rest & Recovery

"Rest" and "recovery" are not bad words nor are they necessary evils. Rest and recovery is what makes you better, not more workouts.

Your body can only take so much and so it needs time off to recover. That's why the ideal CrossFit workout schedule follows a 3 on, 1 off schedule. That rest day allows the body to recuperate so that it can hit those three days of workouts with maximum intensity. Once you cross the threshold into a four or five day cycle, the body starts to fatigue and performance decreases. Recovery is just as important as training. Your body needs time to replenish energy stores and repair damaged tissue. Recovery includes, but is not limited to: rest, sleep, hydration, good nutrition, stretching, self-massaging, massage by a professional, and chiropractic care.

However, you have to keep in mind that all CrossFitters are not created equal. CrossFit Endurance athletes have different workout requirements than the normal CrossFitter, but they still require rest and recovery days. A CrossFit Endurance athlete has to balance sport specific training, strength and conditioning training, and rest and recovery to optimize performance. Nevertheless, a CrossFit Endurance athlete will still need a day off.

Regardless if you're a sport specific athlete or just a CrossFitter, rest days are essential. It's your chance to play and live life. Get outside the gym and apply those functional movements to real-life scenarios. Go on a long walk with your spouse (preferably when a hurricane/tropical storm is rolling through your area), go walk your dog, go play in an adult kickball league, shoot some hoops with the neighbors, play catch with your kid, get out and just have fun. Rest and recovery: it's good for the mind, body, and soul.

WOD
5x5 Back Squat
then
For time: (10min time limit)
20 Burpees
40 Sit Ups
60 SDHP, 24kg kettlebell (I may do 2 pood)
80 Double Unders

RESULTS
Back Squat: 175/195/215/235/260
Metcon: 6:05