We hear so much about various principles and methods of training that can be used to gain strength, speed, size, endurance, capacity, etc., yet how often are recovery credits truly discussed? I too am guilty of overindulging in these talks. You can comb through my previous blogs and see how each one talks around principles and concepts as it relates to progressions within the strength and conditioning fields. Yet, there is one concept that is rarely talked about, yet when it is adhered to can lend, arguably, the biggest hand in growth. This is the concept of recovery credits.

You should be asking yourself, “What are recovery credits?”

I want you to think about your inner capacity as a bank. This bank supplies everything you need as it relates to life (in and outside the gym.) Twenty four hours a day, this bank is working, and it works on how we manage it.

For instance, if we are applying a lot of stress onto our lives through poor sleep, poor nutrition, hard training, stressful situations at work or home, then we are in a constant state of debits from this bank. Our “bank” doesn’t understand the difference between getting punched in the face or doing 5x5 back squats @ 85% of our max. To our bank, stress is stress, and each stress/stimulus applied requires the right amount of debits in order for our bodies to absorb this action.

What we have to do is make sure that we are putting the right credits back into our bank in order for our bodies to recover and adapt. If we are not doing this, then our adaptation will slow, and the reverse will transpire (fatigue, overreaching, over training).

So, what is the key concept when it comes to recovery credits?

I am referring to the umbrella of recovery. Our ability to refill our bank accounts in order to provide enough “money” to be debited the next time we need it.

We put so much into our training through thought, coaching, and application. How much of this energy are you putting into your ability to recover? What are you doing to put credits back into your bank to allow for our bodies to adapt to the stimulus we just applied?

Think of these “credits” in two forms:

1. You have your nature forms that are first and foremost, and the most important to have lined up. This includes sleep, hydration, nutrition, de-stressing, proper movement, and meditation.

2. Then you have other methods that are secondary such as massage, chiropractic care, float tanks, saunas, cold plunges, etc.

The more people think about and apply “recovery credits” to their daily routines, the more opportunities they are giving their bodies to grow, adapt, and progress.

So, focus on your recovery credits and see where your training can go.

If you have specific questions around this or any other areas of program design or coaching, make sure you reach out to conquerathlete.com and set up a free consultation. See how Conquer Athlete can help guide you with individualized programming and coaching.

-Coach Jay