Active Recovery vs Passive Recovery

Proper recovery is just as important as proper training.  In order to continue to train at a high level we need to make sure we are able to recover from our workouts.  But which type of recovery is best, Active or Passive?  The answer is both.  

Active recovery is low-intensity physical activity used to aid the body's recovery process.  Examples of active recovery are light cycling, walking, yoga, swimming.  This type of recovery works to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, flush out metabolic waste, and improve long-term performance.  Active recovery works best for general workouts, and to reduce post-workout stiffness.  

Passive recovery is general rest and inactivity, very low exertion.  Examples of this would be rest, meditation, and therapeutic treatments like massage, and cryotherapy.  This allows the body to completely rest and repair itself to prepare for another intense training session.  Passive recovery is best utilized after high intensity training and max effort workouts.