Adequate rest and muscle recovery are crucial for aerobic exercise performance. One of the main factors influencing recovery is sleep, a lack of which has been shown to impair physical and mental recovery from exercise.[1] Other factors that can positively influence recovery include nutrient timing and choice of foods,[2] limiting alcohol exposure,[3] avoiding overtraining,[4], and reducing emotional and psychological stress and fatigue.
The environment can also influence aerobic exercise performance; heat and cold, humidity, air temperature, wind speed, altitude, and even clothing are all factors to consider when exercising in extreme conditions.[5][6]