ACSM Information On…

A Road Map to Effective

Muscle Recovery
As a physically active individual, recovery is key
to preventing injuries and allowing the body
to rebuild itself after the stress of exercise. Our
muscles, tendons, ligaments and energy stores
require recovery, repair and replenishment to
perform at our best during the next exercise bout.
For new or more intense exercise our muscles
can often become sore within 24 to 48 hours
after exercise, but soreness is not vital for an
adequate recovery routine. Muscle soreness can
occur when cellular waste products accumulate
in muscle cells leading to inflammation or by
micro-tears that occur in the muscle fibers.
There are many different strategies to maximize
recovery and minimize the amount of muscle
soreness experienced after exercise. From good
nutrition, sleep, regular days off, to different
methods and tools, use this exercise recovery
products so that they do not accumulate in the muscles. It is
road map to find the best strategy to recover important to note that even if you don’t feel sore after your
quickly and effectively. workout, the waste products that build up in the muscle can
cause fatigue during your next workout, ultimately affecting
Dynamic Warm-up: A dynamic warm-up is a great way
performance.
to prime the body for activity. Lingering soreness can be
alleviated by a dynamic warm-up by encouraging blood A great way to accomplish an active cooldown is by walking
flow and movement through a large range of motion1. A on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at an easy pace
dynamic warm-up consists of a few minutes of an activity for 5 to 10 minutes at the end of your workout2.
that will elevate heart rate (such as jogging, jumping jacks, or
cycling) followed by dynamic movements (such as lunges, leg Stretching and Mobility: After your heart rate has returned
swings, or arm circles). These movements should move joints to resting levels, the next step is to begin focusing on the
through a large range of motion, coming in and out of the muscles that you worked out. Muscles can become tight and
movement without stopping for too long. fatigued from exercise and stretching can alleviate sensations
of tightness and restriction. In our daily lives, our posture can
Active Cooldown: By performing a few minutes of low- also become altered due to our day-to-day working positions.
intensity aerobic exercise after a workout, the body is able
to gradually decrease blood pressure and heart rate, while In order to keep the tendons and muscles mobile, it is
preventing blood pooling in the limbs. During intense recommended to stretch each muscle group for at least 60
exercise, the body breaks down chemicals that can cause seconds. This can be accumulated into sets of 10-30 seconds
fatigue and muscle soreness. Incorporating an active at a time or all at once3.While stretching, a mild discomfort
cooldown is a great way to circulate the cellular waste may occur, but sharp or intense pain should be avoided.
The idea is to let the muscle relax into the stretch, where help you exercise longer, harder, faster, but will support your
forcing a position can cause the muscle to tighten up or even body into recovery. Lastly, post-exercise hydration is critical
cause injury. All stretching and mobility exercises should be to accelerate recovery. To get a more accurate idea of how
completed in a slow and controlled manner, while breathing much fluid should be replenished, you should weigh yourself
throughout each exercise. before and after your workout and make sure that you at least
drink enough fluids to restore bodyweight to pre-workout
Myofascial Release: Myofascia is the connective tissue that weight. As a rule of thumb, try to limit a decrease in your
surrounds the entire body. Normally, the myofascial system body weight of greater than two percent7. Here’s an example!
moves seamlessly as the body moves. However, restrictions You’re getting ready to exercise and record a pre-workout
in the fascia can lead to pain, stiffness, and loss of function. weight at 200 pounds. Your post-workout weight was 198
Myofascial release techniques aim to restore mobility, pounds. This means you lost two pounds during your session.
improve blood circulation, and decrease areas of pain and This is approximately a one percent of body weight loss. In
tenderness4. There are several tools on the market. See the this example you should target a little over one liter to ensure
ACSM brochure on self-myofascial release tools! proper hydration recovery.
Foam Rolling: Gently roll the affected body part over the Nutrition: Nutrition is another key step to recovering
foam roller, about one inch per second for about 30 to 60 quickly and adequately. According to the joint position
seconds total. For specific areas that feel tight, you can isolate paper released from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
10 to 15 seconds on that area5, but then make sure to move and ACSM in 2016, the nutritional principles for recovery
on. As with stretching, a mild discomfort is acceptable, but include adequate energy (caloric) intake and macronutrient
pain should not be excessive. Slowly increase the pressure as distribution (carbohydrates, proteins and fats)7. Although
tolerated and work on the areas that feel tight or sore. Avoid energy and macronutrient requirements are different based
rolling directly on bones and joints or spending too much on activity type and individual differences, the basics for
time on one area. It is also important to work around the including adequate energy, carbohydrates, fats and protein is
muscle area that might be sore or painful, rather than directly to help facilitate performance and recovery. Sufficient energy
on the area itself. There are many different types of foam intake supports overall body functions, body composition
rollers available with varying firmness and textures. A soft, and how we use our fuel (carbohydrates, fats, protein sources)
smooth foam roller will result in less pressure, which may be during exercise. Adequate energy is key before moving on
more suitable for beginners. to specific macronutrients. Post-exercise carbohydrates
are important to replenish the fast-acting energy stores
Massage: Post-workout massage therapy can also be a
(glycogen) while protein is required for muscle repair (muscle
recovery strategy. Current research indicates that it is
protein synthesis). Although not often in the spotlight of
effective in reducing muscle soreness and perceived fatigue
exercise nutrition, fat is a necessary macronutrient for a
after exercise6. Massage can increase blood flow to the area
healthy diet and can support your body’s ability to provide
and has been shown to decrease pain and inflammation
energy, maintain cell membrane integrity, and enable
caused by metabolic products that have built up during
fat-soluble vitamin absorption— all important factors in
exercise. Massage therapy should be performed after exercise
recovery.
and include sessions of at least 20 to 30 minutes to produce
best recovery results. Cold Therapy: Cryotherapy chambers and cold-water
immersion are two common forms of cold therapy that have
Hydration: Hydrating prior to exercise, during, and post-
been shown to aid in muscle recovery and decrease muscle
exercise plays an important role in how you recover. While
soreness. This is especially beneficial for those with injuries,
it is common to remember to hydrate during exercise, many
swelling, or those engaging in contact sports8.
times we forget the importance of starting exercise well
hydrated. It’s important to ensure proper hydration prior Ice baths are relatively easy to set up and effective; however,
to exercise because it will adversely affect how you perform most people find them very uncomfortable. Even so,
during your exercise session, especially if you are exercising spending 15 minutes in an ice bath or submerging the
in a hot, humid environment. As a general recommendation affected area has been shown to aid in muscle recovery by
prior to exercise, you should drink about 5 to 10 ml/kg of reducing inflammation.
your body weight (~2 to 4 ml/lb) in fluid in the 2-4 hours
before exercise7. For example, a 150 lb person should drink Cryotherapy involves a chamber filled with liquid nitrogen
between 300 and 600 milliliters (~0.5-2.5 cups) of fluid that gets extremely cold and usually people spend only
prior to exercise. During exercise, it is important to drink two to three minutes inside of it. While it is very cold,
enough water to replenish fluid lost through sweating. It is most people do not mind the sensation and it is over very
recommended to drink small amounts of fluid throughout quickly. Although cryotherapy is often expensive (at least in
the duration of exercise. This ranges from 0.3 to 2.4 liters per comparison to a homemade ice bath), it can be effective and
hour of activity depending on the intensity, duration, fitness is a great tool to aid in the recovery process.
level, and other environmental factors. This will not only
Compression: In recent years, active recovery that can be incorporated 3. A
 merican College of Sports Medicine. ACSM’s
Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 10th
compression garments have gained into a rest day. ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;
popularity in the fitness and exercise 2018.

community. Wearing compression On the Road to Recovery 4. R

 omero-Moraleda B, Touche RL, Lerma-Lara S,
et al. Neurodynamic mobilization and foam rolling
sleeves during or after a workout can Depending on the intensity, type, improved delayed-onset muscle soreness in a healthy
help decrease muscle soreness post- and duration of a workout, recovery adult population: a randomized controlled clinical
trial. PeerJ. 2017; 5.
exercise9 and aid in the recovery process techniques should be tailored to every
5. S
 u H, Chang N, Wu W, Guo L, Chu I. (2017). Acute
for your next workout. These might individual. It’s important to remember, effects of foam rolling, static stretching, and dynamic
include calf sleeves when running or even if you aren’t feeling soreness after stretching during warm-ups on muscular flexibility
and strength in young adults. J Sport Rehabil.
arm sleeves when lifting weights. If you a workout, recovery is still important to 2017;26(6):469-477. doi:10.1123/jsr.2016-0102
have a specific area of focus you may prevent injuries and replenish what is 6. D
 upuy O, Douzi W, Theurot D, Bosquet L, Dugué
lost after an exercise session. B. An evidence-based approach for choosing post-
way to consult a professional to find exercise recovery techniques to reduce markers of
the right fit and ensure there isn’t an muscle damage, soreness, fatigue, and inflammation:
Out of all of the strategies presented, a systematic review with meta-analysis. Frontiers in
underlying injury present. Physiol.2018; 9. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00403
the key components for muscle recovery
7. Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM. American
Sleep and Rest: Rest is an important and the first strategies to start with are: College of Sports Medicine Joint Position Statement.
part of the recovery process. While you proper pre/post active and lengthening Nutrition and Athletic Performance. Med Sci Sports
Exerc. 2016;48(3):543-68.
are sleeping, your body works to rebuild exercises, nutrition, hydration, and rest/
8. L
 indsay A, Carr S, Cross S, Petersen C, Lewis JG,
itself. It is recommended to get at least sleep. After the basics, try choosing one Gieseg SP. The physiological response to cold-water
8 hours of sleep every night10. of the other muscle recovery strategies immersion following a mixed martial arts training
session. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2017;42(5):529-536.
and implementing them into your doi:10.1139/apnm-2016-0582
Additionally, at least 48 hours regular workout routine. 9. J akeman, J. R., Byrne, C., & Eston, R. G. (2010).
should be allowed between higher Lower limb compression garment improves recovery
from exercise-induced muscle damage in young, active
intensity exercise of the same muscle Resources females. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 109(6),
1. R
 eisman S, Walsh L, Proske U. Warm-up
groups. This allows your muscles the stretches reduce sensations of stiffness and soreness
1137–1144. doi: 10.1007/s00421-010-1464-0 

opportunity to rebuild themselves and after eccentric exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 10. G
 rønli J, Soulé J, Bramham CR. Sleep and protein
2005;37(6):929-36. synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity: impacts of
reduces the risk of overtraining. Rest sleep loss and stress. Front Behav Neurosci. 2014; 7.
2. A
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can also include doing recreational or Dubouchaud H, Prefaut C. Effects of active recovery
less intense activities during recovery on plasma lactate and anaerobic power following
repeated intensive exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1996;
days. Light yoga, foam rolling, massage, 28(4): 450-456.
or joint mobility exercises can be a great

If you have ever been diagnosed by a doctor, with OR Not all exercise programs are suitable for everyone.
Staying Active Pays Off! have signs/symptoms of cardiovascular, metabolic or Activities should be carried out at an effort level that
Those who are physically active tend to live longer, kidney disease, THEN it is recommended to seek is comfortable for you. You should stop participation
healthier lives. Research shows that moderate physical medical clearance before beginning an exercise program. in any exercise activity that causes pain. In such event,
activity—such as 30 minutes a day of brisk walking— Once you get medical clearance, you should start with you should consult with your health care professional
significantly contributes to a longer life. Even a person light to moderate intensity. You can gradually build up immediately.
with health risk factors like high blood pressure, to vigorous exercise if you stay free of any symptoms of
depression, diabetes or a smoking habit can gain real ACSM recommends you accumulate at least 30 minutes
health problems. of moderate-intensity physical activity (working hard
benefits from incorporating regular physical activity into
their daily life. If you DO exercise regularly: enough to break a sweat, but still able to carry on a
If you have not been diagnosed with, AND do not conversation) most days per week, or 20 minutes of more
As many dieters have found, exercise can also help you vigorous activity three days per week. Combinations
achieve weight loss goals. What’s more, regular exercise have signs or symptoms of cardiovascular, metabolic, or
kidney disease, you can continue with moderate exercise of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity can be
can help lower blood pressure, control blood sugar, performed to meet this recommendation.
improve cholesterol levels and build stronger, denser or gradually build to vigorous exercise intensity.
bones. Exercise helps improve your mental well-being If you have been diagnosed with cardiovascular, Examples of typical aerobic exercises are: walking,
too. metabolic, or kidney disease AND do not have any sign/ running, stair climbing, cycling, rowing, cross country
symptoms of health problems, then you can continue skiing and swimming. Examples of common strength
A Complete Physical Activity Program exercising at a moderate intensity. If you received training exercises are: weight machines, free weights
Regular physical activity provides many health benefits. medical clearance within the last 12 months AND your and resistance bands. Flexibility exercises can include:
While it’s not required, working with an exercise symptoms have not changed, then can continue with stretches of muscles around different joints and yoga.
professional can help you reach your fitness goals, moderate exercise or gradually build to vigorous exercise
tailor exercises to your abilities and most importantly, intensity.
Rights and Permissions
minimize your risk of injury. You should expect the ACSM grants permission to reproduce this brochure if
If at any time you develop a sign or symptom of it is reproduced in its entirety without alteration. The
exercise professional to ask you to fill out an exercise pre-
cardiovascular, metabolic or kidney disease, discontinue text may be reproduced in another publication if it is
participation health screening. This form will ask if you
exercise and seek a doctor’s clearance right away. Then, used in its entirety without alteration and the following
exercise regularly and if you have any health concerns
after getting medical clearance, you may continue your statement is added: Reprinted with permission of the
that should prompt you to see your healthcare provider
moderate intensity exercise program and gradually American College of Sports Medicine.
before getting started. The following precautions will
progress your effort.
help you safely participate in exercise programs: Copyright © 2019 American College of Sports
If you DO NOT exercise regularly: Getting Started with an Exercise Medicine. This brochure was created by Michelle
Alencar, Ph.D., ACSM-EP, and Jordan Valle, and is a
If you have not been diagnosed by a doctor with, AND Program product of ACSM’s Consumer Outreach Committee.
do not have signs or symptoms of cardiovascular, A well-rounded exercise program includes aerobic, Visit ACSM online at www.acsm.org.
metabolic or kidney disease, THEN you can start right strength training exercises, but not necessarily in the
away with light to moderate intensity exercise. You can same session. This blend helps maintain or improve
gradually build up to vigorous exercise if you stay free of overall health and function. So, it is important to choose
any symptoms of health problems. exercises you enjoy and can fit into your schedule.