Is Recovery a Workout?
Rest is not recovery. Rest is simply one branch on the extensive tree that is recovery. Proper recovery for a pitcher requires forethought, attention to detail and the uncommon sacrifice of time. The renowned and widely respected President/Founder of Driveline Baseball, Kyle Boddy, asserts that recovery “should be 40% or more of your training”. Throughout the article we will discuss various types of active recovery protocols in regards to athletic fitness and, more specifically, throwing populations. Movement and active recovery is imperative to activate the lymphatic system, elevated circulation levels and begin the process of tissue quality renewal and regeneration. It is well known that muscle activity and contractions further assist blood vessels in filtering in new blood while pulling out the old. There is simply no better avenue that the body employs to rejuvenate tissue and continue the recovery process than movement. Mike Boyle coined the term Movement as Medicine and, personally, I can't imagine a better perspective on recovery. Recovery is unique to each individual and limiting your experiences by not testing new modalities is a shame. Recovery is far from just sleeping and eating.