Recovery after exercise: what is the current state of play?

Recovery after exercise is an essential element of the training–adaptation cycle. The overall goal of postexercise recovery is to restore homeostasis in many of the body’s physiological systems. After exercise, fluids and fuels lost or consumed during exercise must be replaced, body temperature and regular cardiovascular function must be restored, and damaged tissue must be repaired. These events should all occur in a timely manner before the...