The Ultimate Recovery Day in Japan
Relax in an onsen
If you are in Japan you have the option to soak in onsen or sentos on your recovery days. Heat enhances the muscle recovery process by increasing blood circulation and carrying blood to the muscles. Heat also allows muscles to relax better and relieve muscle tension. This can stimulate muscle recovery. There is also the buoyancy effect being in water that allows muscles to loosen and relax. An additional benefit is onsens are often filled with mineral-rich water. Some onsens contain sodium chloride that has a consistency and feel similar to seawater that are called salt onsens. These kinds of onsens are said to improve muscle and joint pains. Don't forget a water bottle. It is very imported to stay hydrated because your body will be losing a lot of water. If you start to feel dizzy, then go take a water break.
Get a massage
Massages can be cheap in Japan. Chain places like りらくる offer 60-minute massages for 3000 yen. Massages are a great way to relax and loosen tight muscles. This can increase blood flow will help stimulate recovery. If the idea of paying for a massage is too much then just get a girlfriend or boyfriend.
Do some yoga or stretch
If you wake up sore in the morning, what do you do? Do you take some supplements or do you stretch? The first thing you should do is stretch if you are sore. Supplements are not the answer to all your recovery problems. Stretching in the morning, after a workout or whenever you have time can help muscle recovery by increasing blood flow. Also, try some yoga. I do not think yoga classes are as popular as back in the states but if you look around you can find some. This is another good way to help muscle recovery, improve flexibility and mobility like stretching. There are also plenty of YouTube videos you can follow along with.
Swim or try some low-intensity active recovery
Just because it is a recovery day doesn't mean you don't have to do any exercise. Short low-intensity active recovery is good for your body and can help your body recover. Something like a 20-minute swim or elliptical session can get your blood circulating.
These are four ways you can spend your recovery day in Japan!