Which of the following exercises could be included in an active recovery routine?

The inclusion of light walking or cycling in an active recovery routine is beneficial because these activities promote blood flow and circulation without placing excessive stress on the body. Active recovery aims to reduce muscle soreness, enhance recovery, and maintain a low level of physical activity to facilitate healing. Light walking or cycling can help individuals recover from more intense workouts by keeping the muscles engaged in a gentle manner, promoting the removal of metabolic waste products, and providing a sense of movement that can aid in overall recovery.

In contrast, high-intensity interval training is too strenuous for recovery purposes, as it places significant strain on the body, hindering the recovery process. Heavy weightlifting similarly contributes to muscle fatigue and requires longer recovery times. Lastly, static stretching, while beneficial, especially for flexibility, may not maintain an elevated heart rate or enhance circulation as effectively as doing light aerobic activities and therefore is not considered a primary component of an active recovery routine. Thus, light walking or cycling stands out as the most suitable choice for enhancing the recovery process.