What is the process called where the body repairs damage caused by exercise?

The process where the body repairs damage caused by exercise is known as recovery. Recovery is a critical phase following physical exertion, as it involves the body's physiological processes working to restore muscle tissue, replenish energy stores, and remove metabolic waste products. During recovery, the body undergoes several restorative functions that are essential for repair and growth. This includes repairing micro-tears in muscles from intense activity, enhancing blood circulation, and balancing hormone levels.

While options like rehabilitation, adaptation, and resilience are important in the context of physical activity, they serve distinct purposes. Rehabilitation refers to the process of regaining strength and function after injury or illness, often requiring a structured program of therapeutic exercises. Adaptation refers to the body's long-term physiological response and adjustments that result from repeated exposure to stressors, such as regular exercise, which may lead to improved performance over time. Resilience relates to the ability to withstand and recover from stress or adversity, but it is not specifically focused on the physiological recovery from exercise-induced damage.