Why Recovery Is the Missing Piece in Your Fitness Plan

And why it matters so much

Personal Trainer Julien Bertherat

When it comes to fitness, most people focus on training harder, running further, or lifting heavier. But there’s a crucial part of the equation that often gets overlooked: recovery.

Recovery is where the real progress happens. Training stresses your body; recovery allows it to repair, adapt and come back stronger. Without it, you risk fatigue, injury and stalled progress.

Here’s why recovery matters and how to make it part of your plan:

1. Muscles grow during rest

Strength and fitness improvements happen when your body repairs after training, not during the workout itself. Skipping rest is like planting seeds but never watering them.

2. Overtraining holds you back

If you constantly push without adequate recovery, your body can’t adapt. The result? Plateaus, exhaustion and a higher chance of injury.

3. Recovery is more than sleep

Yes, sleep is critical, but active recovery also counts: light stretching, mobility work, walking, or yoga can all help keep your body moving while aiding repair.

4. Nutrition fuels repair

Protein supports muscle recovery, while carbs help restore energy stores. Hydration also plays a key role in keeping your body functioning at its best.

5. Listen to your body

Rest days aren’t a sign of weakness; they’re a sign of smart training. If you’re feeling persistently sore, fatigued, or run down, it may be time to pull back and recover properly.

So if you’ve been training hard but aren’t seeing the results you’d like, take a look at your recovery. Sometimes, doing a little less in the gym and a little more to support your body outside of it is exactly what you need.

Want to learn more? Contact me!

Julien

Julien Bertherat is a London-based personal trainer working with private clients of all ages and fitness levels.