Fresh Fast Legs – from Bicycling Magazine
This comes from Bicycling Magazine.
The article talks about different leg recovery methods. At the end of each one, I give my take on them.
Method: Water immersion
Science: Some studies suggest that a cold water dunk after a hard ride helps clear lactic acid and reduce inflammation. Others conclude that it helps athletes feel less fatigued and sore.
Convenience: Unless there’s a spring-fed lake at the end of every ride, you’re out of luck. And you’ll deplete your ice supply if you frequently do this at home.
Dork Factor: At home, low. Setting up a garbage-can ice spa at a venue? So ridiculous, it might be cool.
Coach OB Online Cycling Coach’s Take: I have not done this. I think it started with runners. To me, the thought of putting my legs, and other body parts, in icey-cold water is NOT appealing!
Method: Compression clothing
Science: Research suggests that compression tights can help reduce blood-lactate levels and speed recovery. Studies show athletes feel fresher and experience less muscle soreness after wearing them. For optimum effect, you may need to wear them during hard efforts, not just afterward.
Convenience: If you pack ’em, you can wear ’em.
Dork Factor: As high as the knee socks, but cancelled out in similar company
Coach OB Online Cycling Coach’s Take: I have the Skins RY400 recovery tights and I LOVE THEM! I use these after a hard training session or a race knowing I need extra recvoery for the next day. Only drawback is that they are hot in the summer time! And my family laughs at me when I wear them without anything over the top.
Method: Drinking chocolate milk
Science: In a study of cyclists who rode until fully depleted, the pedalers who chugged chocolate milk afterward were able to hammer about 50 percent longer on their next ride before fatiguing than those who consumed a commercial carb-protein recovery drink.
Convenience: As close as the nearest 7-Eleven.
Dork Factor: Zip. Chocolate milk’s hipness never expires.
Coach OB Online Cycling Coach’s Take: LOVE chocolate milk! I have done this after races especially when I know it might be a while before I am able to take in quality food. I think this is a good one to follow!
Thanks for reading!
