Quick Dip: Why Does My Body Need Recovery After Training?

A short read for the car journey Category: Fuel & Recovery  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Training gives your body work to respond to. Recovery helps you benefit from that work and be ready to train again.

Your body stores some carbohydrate as fuel for activity. Swimming uses some of that fuel, so eating carbohydrate foods afterwards helps replace it.

Protein foods, such as eggs, beans, yoghurt or fish, help your body build and repair. Ordinary meals and snacks can provide both carbohydrate and protein.

Food is only part of recovery. Drinking replaces water you have lost, while sleep gives your body and brain time for important recovery work.

You can finish eating and still need rest. A snack does not remove all the tiredness from a hard session.

Your week may include demanding sessions, easier swimming and breaks from training. They work together. Adding extra hard exercise can leave you more tired for the next planned session.

A rest day does not mean sitting still all day. A gentle walk can fit with taking a break from hard training.

Feeling tired after a demanding session can happen. If you have pain, feel unwell or keep feeling much more tired than usual, tell your parent or carer and coach.

Make eating, drinking and enough sleep part of your usual training routine.

Did you know? Sleep also helps your brain remember skills you have practised, including swimming movements.

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team