restore (r-stôr, -str):

• return to its original or usable and functioning condition
• return to life; get or give new life or energy
• give or bring back
• restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
• bring back into original existence, use, function, or position

Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=restore)

Here’s a question that I receive often: “I’ve read so much about the importance of restoration, but to be honest, my life is crazy right now! How can I realistically fit this stuff in?”

Yes, that is a common dilemma and one of the primary reasons that restoration tends to be neglected by many in our society.

In Russia and Eastern Europe, lifters actually plan for restoration in their periodization scheme. North Americans, on the other hand, concentrate so much on training that recovery gets overlooked. In fact, Russians do 3 semesters on massage and restoration in kinesiology or physical education courses. Guess how much we do here?

If you guessed more than zero, try again!

In the next two weeks, I’ll show you how to apply nine effective restoration methods with a busy lifestyle. Tomorrow we’ll start with the first of the series, contrast showers.