I'm sure you've all been to the gym and spotted someone perform a series of reps and stand idly by for a few minutes before doing another set. This is called passive recovery. Powerlifters and strongmen are most noted for taking these elongated breaks. When absolute strength gain is your objective, this is not that bad of a pattern to follow. However, if you are like a high percentage of the world who wants to get lean and lose weight quickly, there is better option. It is called "active" recovery or active rest breaks. As the name implies, you are active between sets instead of just standing there. Personally, I choose active recoveries over passive, unless I'm working out with someone, which is very seldom.
This does not need to be complicated or complex either. Stepping up and down on a BOSU, jumping rope, walking around the gym and doing jumping jacks are all simple things you can do. Speed is not a necessity either. A nice steady pace is all you need to achieve. Incorporating active recoveries into your training program will not only melt extra calories, but it will also improve your cardiovascular strength. This means you will be accomplishing two goals at the same time, and I'm all about expediting progress.
Doing balance tricks is another option. Sit or kneel on a stability ball without any contact to the ground, stand on either side of a BOSU with one foot, kneel on one knee on top of a BOSU or balance on your stomach across the ball. Any form of activity you do will boost your caloric expenditure and get you from point A to point B faster.
Have a great day,
K/Rail
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