The Most Effective Recovery Pairings for Your Next Rest Day

Even if you’re already setting aside rest days that revive both your muscles and your nervous system, you’d be smart to make those days off a twofer. Recovery pairings allow you to double down on regeneration so you can return to the gym with unstoppable energy.

“Recovery is where the magic happens,” says James Gu, Senior Director of The Spa at Equinox. “You don’t get stronger, bigger, or faster when you’re training. All of those benefits from exercise happen during the recovery process.”

The truth is: Taking a “no days off” mentality is a surefire way to stunt your progress, increase your chances of injury, and exhaust you both physically and mentally. “When you work out, you’re breaking down your body; during recovery your body repairs itself in a way that makes it better adapted to face the stresses it’s just been through,” Gu explains. “Actively participating in recovery focused activities like getting a massage or contrast therapy allow your body to heal faster so that you can train harder, sooner.”

So when your next day off comes along, consider taking a page from Gu’s training manual and opt for double the recovery. Below, he walks you through his four favorite recovery pairings that go together like cardio and endorphins. Ready to relax?