Post-exercise recovery: time to reconsider our practice?

sports.ndtv.com

Following the last week's post (here http://georgenassis.blogspot.com/2015/06/cold-water-immersion-is-it-all-in-our.html), I have received a number of emails with valid comments. Thank you all for that!

It is evident that post-exercises strategy is a "hot" topic in sports. There is substantial literature on that topic. Does this knowledge makes a big difference in the field? 

Based on my experience, there is need for more work on the applicability of the post-recovery strategies in a real life set-up. For instance, players' compliance to some recovery methods is variable, if not low, at some periods. This is of course a fact that affects the methods' effectiveness.

In a previous post, I highlight the findings of a study that examined player's perception on recovery methods and the effectiveness of these methods on recovery (here http://georgenassis.blogspot.com/2012/07/which-is-most-effective-recovery-method.html).

To summarize my thoughts, I believe that:

• we need to implement a more holistic approach by applying various methods depending on the athlete's belief and the period of the year
• we must improve players buy-in. If athletes believe on the method, they will comply and this might result in better recovery.

Again, your contribution is very much appreciated.

Regards

George