04/23/2025
Recovery and rest isn't a "break" from training - it's when the real progress happens.
Highly ambitious and driven, the concept of "rest" for figure skaters is often mistaken for "laziness". Rather, rest and recovery does quite the opposite.
Promoting muscle recovery / adaptation to training, mental restoration / clarity, reduced risk for illness / injury - rest is a critical part of an athlete's training.
It can feel vulnerable to take time "off" from physical training, but it is essential to make you a better athlete - performing at your best - and as a well rounded individual.
I recently came down ill and have been saddened to not be able to train the way I typically enjoy over the past few days, which inspired me to create this post. I recognize that my body is working overtime to fight infection and recover. Adding tools to my toolbox of hobbies, activities, mindfulness practices that I enjoy (many of which I gained through my time in sport working with cognitive performance specialists and sports psychologists), I've come to find peace and complete relaxation in this time of rest.
A gentle reminder that your body is worthy and deserving of rest and recovery. Rest does not necessarily mean you have to become a "couch potato", unless that is your calling! It is a shifting of a lens to other parts of your wellbeing - to nurture, show gratitude towards, and shower with compassion.
Consider rest and recovery and opportunity to recharge, care towards, and strengthen areas of your wellbeing - making you a better athlete, all around.
All relationships, including one with sport, requires healthy boundaries.
You show yourself love, gratitude, respect, and compassion by honoring rest and recovery.
