If a workout has built in rest for 30 seconds, 1 minute or 2 minutes do you have a plan of attack? How do you make the most of that rest period so it does not feel like 5 seconds. There are few a things you can do to optimize your rest period to help you recover faster and feel better. These tips are also not earth shattering. There is not a special green juice you drink that will increase recovery and help performance. These tips and tricks are like most things in life. The more you use them, focus on them, and work them the better they will serve you. Remember it is the little things that add up to make a big difference.
#1- Stay in the workout.
The rest period, not matter how big or how small is not time to think about what’s for dinner or how bad the pain is or if the workout is almost over. It is time for you to reflect on the last round. Develop a plan for the upcoming round. How did you move and feel that round? And most importantly what can you maintain during the next round. Stay in the workout!
#2- Keep your head up and pay attention to your body language.
The rest period is not permission to lay on the floor and sizzle around like a piece of bacon while letting unflattering noises come out of your mouth. It is a time to keep your head up, shoulders back and eyes ahead. Your body language will have a huge impact on your mental and physical capacity. Think about the time you stood tall and thought, I got another round. Or the time you put your hands on your knees, shook your head and yelled “that was so bad, oh god, that was bad.” You will be surprised how much your body language will affect your performance.
#3- Focus on bringing the heart rate down.
The last piece of advice is the one you hear the coach yell out and you think in your head “Dude, did you see all the weights I just lifted…shut up.” But, seriously if you ignore your body language and think about all the Chipotle you are going to eat, but work on your breathing it will help. Big breaths in and big breaths out. Control it and your heart rate will start to work itself down. If you can control that you will see a major difference in your performance. Remember, this takes practice and the more you focus on it, use it and try it the better you will become.
Written By: Geo Rockwell