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
What this episode covers
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 ...
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Rest Day vs Recovery Ride: Making Smart Recovery Choices (#251)
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