Noticeable improvement after taking a week off

trusty48

So, I hurt my knee (not exercise-related) and ended up taking 8 days off from cardio. I tried to do all the exercises I could think of that didn't implicate the knee but don't know of any way to do cardio like that. It was awful

Now- I'm back to my usual routine and was shocked that not only had I not lost anything but my performance had significantly improved! Tried it again today to make sure it wasn't a fluke.

Just wondering if anybody knows what happened. Is this normal when someone takes time off?

999tigger

You will be properly rested, so its not surprising you improve. No idea how much you were pushing yourself in the first place. See if you continue to record better performance or as you get more fatigued it catches up with you.

RoxieDawn

It takes a little longer to deplete your muscles from "non use" perhaps 3 - 4 weeks.. As far as the energy you applied to the exercise, you have had time off your legs and your body is rested, you probably ate well before or at least the night before..

It is not a fluke it is normal.. I personally only take time off only when needed.. I keep pumping the muscles and continuing to exercise.. you cannot be at your personal best every day, and only you know when you need to take a break..

SonyaCele

yes. its called rest and recovery.

cwolfman13

SonyaCele wrote: »

yes. its called rest and recovery.

this is why people always say rest is important to performance and recovery

trusty48

SonyaCele wrote: »

yes. its called rest and recovery.

Lol, I guess it's been awhile since I've taken any time off.

Part of the reason I was so surprised was because I had been at a plateau and had started to accept that I had found my limits. This didn't bother me since I do cardio because of the way it makes me feel not to become some super athlete.

The lesson may be that it's okay to take a day (but not a week ) off occasionally.

Taking the week off was painful and depressing- so glad to be back in action now