Maybe “Doing Nothing” Is Slowing Your Recovery
“I just need a good rest day.”
Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place for kicking back on the couch (I like to do this just as much as the next person).
But when it comes to recovering from exercise, soreness, or even just a long week of life’s demands, doing absolutely nothing isn’t always your best option.
Your body is designed to move. Movement is how your muscles get nutrients, how your joints stay lubricated, and how your circulation clears out the by-products of effort. When you stop moving altogether, those recovery processes slow right down.
That’s why you can feel stiff, heavy, or even more sore after a full day of “rest.”
Now, compare that to active recovery like gentle, deliberate movement like mobility drills, walking, stretching with breath, or a bit of bodyweight flow. These lighter activities get blood moving, ease tightness, and tell your nervous system that everything is okay. It’s like giving your body a gentle nudge to tidy itself up rather than leaving the mess for tomorrow.
Clients often notice this when they come in feeling sore or achy. After 15–20 minutes of guided movement, they stand up taller, feel looser, and say things like, “Wow, I thought I needed a rest, but I feel way better now.” That’s active recovery in action.
The key is keeping it light.
This isn’t about smashing out another workout or pushing your limits. It’s about choosing movement that feels easy, restorative, and enjoyable. A short walk after a big training session, a flow sequence the day after a long run, or some simple joint mobility while you’re watching TV can all do the trick.
Next time you’re tempted to park up completely, try adding just a little bit of movement instead. Notice how much quicker you bounce back and how much fresher your body feels the following day.
Your brain listens to these signals too and when you prove that gentle movement feels safe, it relaxes its grip on stiffness and lets your body recover more efficiently.
So, rest days don’t need to mean doing nothing. They can mean moving differently, lightly, and giving your body the best chance to recharge.
