Rest Day vs Recovery Ride: Making Smart Recovery Choices (#251) episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 4, 2025 · 14 MIN

Rest Day vs Recovery Ride: Making Smart Recovery Choices (#251)

from The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS · host CTS

OVERVIEWIs there a real benefit to a recovery ride or would you be better off just taking the day off completely? Both recovery rides and complete rest are beneficial, but the choice between the two depends on how fatigued you are, your mood, and what else you have going on in your life. Sports science says they accomplish the same thing and are essentially interchangeable. But there are absolutely times when Coach Adam Pulford recommends active recovery (easy ride, walking, yoga, etc.) and other times when he advocates for complete rest. Learn to make the right choice when it really matters in Episode 251 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast".TOPICS COVEREDActive vs. Passive RecoveryWhen to choose complete rest or passive recoveryWhen to choose a recovery ride or active recoveryOff-the-bike active recoveryResearch on active vs. passive recovery effectivenessLINKS/RESOURCESPassive vs Active Recovery on Peak Sprint Power Production: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0032-1331717Passive vs Active Recovery on MLSS Performance: https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/h2012-105Passive vs Active Recovery:Passive Recovery Is Superior to Active Recovery During a High-Intensity Shock MicrocycleGood to Go Book: Christie AschwandenASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

OVERVIEW Is there a real benefit to a recovery ride or would you be better off just taking the day off completely? Both recovery rides and complete rest are beneficial, but the choice between the two depends on how fatigued you are, your mood, and what else you have going on in your life. Sports science says they accomplish the same thing and are essentially interchangeable. But there are absolutely times when Coach Adam Pulford recommends active recovery (easy ride, walking, yoga, etc.) and ...

NOW PLAYING

Rest Day vs Recovery Ride: Making Smart Recovery Choices (#251)

0:00 14:40

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS?

This episode is 14 minutes long.

When was this The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS episode published?

This episode was published on June 4, 2025.

What is this episode about?

OVERVIEWIs there a real benefit to a recovery ride or would you be better off just taking the day off completely? Both recovery rides and complete rest are beneficial, but the choice between the two depends on how fatigued you are, your mood, and...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!