As measured as their structured workouts, recovery for a professional athlete is of equal priority—a vital component of elite performance. This metric is often overlooked by frequent flyers who cycle through timezones and undertake extended travel—despite the benefits to their health and functional longevity. One strategy for prioritising recovery, is to schedule a recovery retreat after an expedition or performance season.
Senior Retreat Leader at Aro Hā, Ben Dessard is a certified Yoga Teacher with a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology and Metabolism. In this article Ben explains the benefits of an adventure retreat in recovering from endurance sports and expedition.
The energy cost that comes from endurance sports or extended travel such as natural expeditions is tremendous. Beyond the resources needed to fuel these performances, the key in staying on top of the game is the quality of your recovery. Sustained systemic inflammation, micronutrient and mineral depletion, submaximal replenishment of energy storage and poor mental states are some of the variables that could impair your speed and quality of recovery, ultimately impeding your upcoming performances.
Understanding what goes on within the body and using strategies that support the recovery process following an endurance event are essential not only for short term goals, but also for long term health.
A perfect solution to this complex challenge is to join a wellness adventure.
How Aro Hā Makes An Adventure of Recovery…
Nature As a Guide
Allow the body to focus on recovery by minimizing external stressors. Breathing pure fresh air and drinking clean glacial water in a zero-pollution environment are the foundations to quick recovery. In addition, daily hikes in the forest, surrounded by mountains, are the perfect low impact / low intensity exercises that will keep fresh blood moving through your system, flushing out toxins and nourishing your muscles directly. In addition, a cutting-edge spa for contrast hydrotherapy with a world-class view is the cherry on the cake when it comes to non-exercise vascular jogging.
Micronutrient Flooding
Follow a nutrition plan that focuses on minimizing digestive stress while increasing micronutrient density and bioavailability. Your body spares energy to deal with muscle recovery while being provided the building blocks to a strong and healthy musculoskeletal system. You will not only fully restore the calories that will fuel your next event, but also reduce inflammation and boost the immune system by gorging on nature’s healing foods.
Parasympathetic Bliss
No matter how much good food you eat or cold immersion therapy you do, physiological recovery can only take place when your autonomic nervous system is in the right mode. Yoga, mindfulness, breathing techniques and deep relaxation will take your recovery experience to the next level. This is way too often overlooked by athletes, trainers, and exercise physiologists. Aro Ha provides this fundamental piece of the puzzle to create a truly holistic recovery program.
Aro Hā is a next-level wellness experience, offering life shifting, body morphing, spirit lifting retreats. Multi-award winning, Aro Hā fuses advanced eco accommodation, permaculture based self-sufficiency, and world-class results-oriented programming—condensing optimal living practices into signature wellness adventures.
Located in New Zealand’s ethereal Southern Alps, Aro Hā is designed for the rejuvenation of the human spirit. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or friends, our physically stimulating programs sculpt the body & mind with sub alpine hiking, vinyasa yoga, and dynamic movement. Programs include nutrient dense vegetarian cuisine, healing bodywork, and daily mindfulness practice. Your diligent attention to wellness will be rewarded with a youthful embodiment of exceptional health.
If a shift is needed, you’ve found the right elixir!
