Exercise recovery

Exercise recovery is the physiological process by which the body restores muscle function, energy stores, hydration and readiness after physical activity.

Strenuous or unfamiliar exercise causes microscopic muscle damage, depletes glycogen, shifts fluid and electrolyte balance and triggers a temporary inflammatory response. Over the following hours and days the body repairs tissue, replenishes fuel and adapts, which is how training produces gains in strength and endurance. Delayed-onset muscle soreness, peaking one to three days after activity, is a familiar part of this process.

Recovery is influenced by sleep, nutrition, hydration, training load and age, and it is monitored in sports settings through soreness ratings, performance tests, heart rate variability and blood markers such as creatine kinase. Adequate rest between hard sessions is the foundation of any recovery plan. Cannabidiol is being studied in relation to soreness, inflammation and sleep after exercise, and evidence that it improves recovery or performance remains preliminary.