The New Age of Recovery Is Here

Recovery is becoming an increasingly important part of the wellness conversation. From dry and wet recovery to nervous system regulation, there’s a growing range of practices designed to help the body restore, repair and rebalance. But what do these approaches actually involve, how do they work, and what benefits can they offer? We take a closer look at the evolving world of recovery and its role in a more considered approach to wellbeing.

What is Recovery and Why it Matters?

When we exercise, we create mechanical stress in our joints, micro-damage to our cells and tissues, and nervous system fatigue. Yes, this sounds scary, but this is how our body benefits from exercise; it uses this data as a benchmark to adapt and get stronger and more mobile. That is, if we allow our bodies enough space and time to repair this damage in-between sessions. 

Without proper recovery, we are at risk of decreased performance, increased injury risk, and persistent fatigue and tightness. This is where recovery comes in. When we allow ourselves sufficient time to recover our bodies, we improve their movement quality, enhance our recovery capabilities between sessions, reduce soreness, and improve overall performance, as well as aid in tissue repair, adaptations, and performance improvements. Now, who doesn't want that?

Historically, recovery protocols were reserved for the realm of elite athletes; but thanks to increased access to information and technology, everyone can now benefit from them. 

What's inside the New Recovery Suites at Virgin Active?

Just as there is no one way to train, there is no one way to recover - there are many modalities to meet each person’s unique needs. Keeping up with the demands of life, bouncing back quicker from heavy training sessions and increasing longevity, requires thoughtful consideration of the recovery protocols specific to you. Multi-modal therapy (combining a variety of recovery modalities into your protocol) can help expedite recovery by strategically targeting multiple recovery mechanisms simultaneously.   

This is why, at Virgin Active, we have a range of dry recovery modalities, some of which can be used at the same time to help you strategically build a recovery protocol that aligns with your wellbeing. Btw, dry recovery just means that you don't get wet unlike wet recovery such as the spa.

What is Mechanical or Soft-Tissue Stimulation?

Mechanical or Soft-Tissue Stimulation is just a fancy way of saying that you are using a device that applies pressure, force, or vibration to muscle and fascia. Vibration tools, such as massage guns and chairs, can provide a greater degree of blood flow to the target muscles, potentially speeding up repair of damaged tissues. Research indicates that percussion therapy can reduce muscle soreness, improve short‑term range of motion, and support functional recovery, especially after intense exercise or an injury. It also has the effect of releasing tension in your body, which can signal to your nervous system that it’s time to relax and rejuvenate, leaving you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside! 

Our recovery suites contain the top of the range massage guns by Hyperice which come with different head attachments (including a heated attachment) so you can get into all the tight nooks and sore crannies. We also have state-of-the-art Hydromassage chairs that circulates warm pressured water up and down the backside of your body, as well as the Ceragem Massage chairs that scan your spine and tailor the massage according to your anatomy. All without getting you wet or jumping into a pool!

Fascia are the connective tissue networks that surround muscles, organs, and joints. Signs of fascia dysfunction include tightness or knots, reduced mobility, general aches and stiffness. 

FIVE’s Fascia Tower and Stimulator are our newest tools on the block and aid in fascia release. The German-based recovery tools developed recovery tools that utilize rotating rollers to take the effort of out of self-myofasical release (SMR) and let you control how much pressure you want to apply by leaning more of your weight into the machine. The benefits of SMR include short-term mobility increase, reduced muscle tension, reduced pain sensitivity, and improved movement quality.

What is Compression Therapy?

Compression therapy reduces swelling and heaviness, improves circulation, decreases soreness perception, and enhances recovery for the lower body. At Virgin Active, we use the Normatec Compression Boots that are, quite literally, worn exactly like boots, pulled over your entire leg. The Compressions Boots are essentially air pressure sleeves that rhythmically compress the legs. It mimics a 'muscle pump' and moves blood and lymphatic fluid through the body (byproducts of exercise). To get the most from your session, incline your massage chair or recliner slightly, and elevate your legs ideally above heart level. 

How to make recovery part of your routine

Make recovery part of your routine by making it part of every training session. Using massage guns or fascia stimulators before a workout is a great way to warm up and loosen your body, while using them after a workout can release tension and help enhance your body’s repair. Even better, you can use the massage chairs, compression boots or massage guns simultaneously to make your recovery routine efficient. You don't need long, just 15 minutes, a few times a week will be a gamechanger! Of course, if you have more time, you could go on a rest day and luxuriate in all we have to offer!

Recovery beyond the workout

Recovery is more than just about the physical body. We live in a busy world that is obsessed with productivity. Stepping into the recovery space is your opportunity to slow down, reset and give your mind a break. 

My advice: leave your phone behind. You don't need it in there. Instead, let your mind wonder, give yourself permission to become bored while sitting on the massage chair or using a Theragun. Give yourself a break from devices has been shown to improve your mental health. 

Recovery is an essential part of a well-rounded wellness routine, and the new Dry Recovery Suites make it easier to build intentional recovery into your week.