Everything is going good and you are kicking a*% in the weight room, conditioning and diet. Lifting has been rising steadily because your training consists of a majority of compound exercises. Conditioning is intense and you notice that your sessions are taking less time or are getting easier to perform. Good thing you don't do just anything but selecting from these options or my personal favorite "30 for 30". In the diet department you have been spot on either with Carb Cycling or balanced diet of meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, protein shakes and occasional carbs. After all of that progress you have come to the end of your training cycle.
Now what do you do?
Hopefully there is a Deload in your program with some light barbell work, sandbags, sleds, bodyweight and some days off. Here are some ideas to get you out of the gym while still participating in active recovery.
1.Go for a walk with your dogs.
Walking is one of the best things to do on your day off because it is a low intensity activity so you give your body a break but your still doing more than sitting on the couch. Another reason it is a good idea to go for a walk is you get outside with fresh air and sunshine and a little extra Vitamin D never hurt anyone. Keep the walks between 30 min to an hour and make sure it isn't on a treadmill.
2.Go for a swim.
Who doesn't like to swim. If you can't, sorry this one isn't for you. Swimming on your day off is a great idea because it uses the entire body if not your sinking like a rock. Another benefit is the the water temperature can be therapeutic. My town has 2 rivers the Comal with has a water temp of about 73 degrees and the Guadalupe which is a bit cooler at 60 degrees. There have been times after hard Squat or Deadlift session that I have gone down to the river and just sat in there practically icing down the whole body. Not nearly as good as an ice bath but pretty close.
Check back for Part 2 and if you have a Facebook Account login and post a comment below on what you do outside of the gym.
