Rest days

AldrinYeo

I dont know what's wrong with me, it might be good or bad, but ever since I started this goal to be gaining muscle, im suppose to lift on Mon, Wed,Fri and once a weekend, then rest on tues,thurs and one of the weekend, but I never seem to be wanting to rest. I feel like I need to have a workout everyday or I will feel fat. Maybe it's just a habit i gain when I was losing weight last time. But I usually do 25 to 40 minutes of sprints on my rest days, I wonder if that's going to hinder my muscle growth. I have only started lifting last month so im pretty new, just sticking to compound movements every workout like Squats,Deadlifts, lunges and presses. I had muscle soreness for the first 2 weeks but now I never feel sore after my compound workouts. I weight 130 pounds and im 5'4. Advice please!!

BasicGreatGuy

It is important that you have rest days (without heavy exercise). If you want to do something on the days you aren't lifting, you can walk, cycle, or swim.

In my opinion. you are too new to be wanting to workout as much as you are. Your body is going to rebel if you workout every day with the intensity you seem to project.

Feeling like you will be fat if you don't workout is not a healthy attitude to have. It would be a good idea to address the reason for that feeling.

Life is about balance. Going to extremes in anything is not healthy in many ways.

Take your time. Build a good foundation.

lseed87

Should find a different way to do it? Maybe workout on the weekdays and have 1 or 2 rest days over the weekend.

Yes we do need rest days. Just need to figure out what works for you. I did a program that didn't have any rest days and then another one had rest days every 4 or 5 days later.

Most importantly is listening to your body

sxysmurfette89

Sounds like your body is getting used to the weight/ reps. Change it up and ensure rest days or your going to do your muscles more harm then good. If you get an injury you will be starting from day one and all that hard work is for nothing.

AsISmile

BasicGreatGuy wrote: »

It is important that you have rest days (without heavy exercise). If you want to do something on the days you aren't lifting, you can walk, cycle, or swim.

In my opinion. you are too new to be wanting to workout as much as you are. Your body is going to rebel if you workout every day with the intensity you seem to project.

Feeling like you will be fat if you don't workout is not a healthy attitude to have. It would be a good idea to address the reason for that feeling.

Life is about balance. Going to extremes in anything is not healthy in many ways.

Take your time. Build a good foundation.

This

sxysmurfette89 wrote: »

If you get an injury you will be starting from day one and all that hard work is for nothing.

And this

Also, as long as you follow the program and keep increasing the weights, it is totally okay to not feel sore anymore after a workout!
There was a great thread on that. I'll link to it if I find it.

stephxo1

You need to rest to allow your muscles to repair and grow. And make sure that you're eating to fuel those workouts including a good mix of protein, fats and most importantly carbs. Enjoy your rest days and use it as time to read up on workouts/programs that might benefit you. Good luck!

loulamb7

What lifting program are you following? If you're not on a well known, progressive load beginners' program, get on one. All Pros or SL 5x5.

AllanMisner

Two things:
1) Yes, you do need rest to grow. To over do it could lead to adrenal issues, which means, no new muscle.
2) If you don’t want to rest, you’re probably not lifting heavy enough. A good heavy lifting session should have you not willing to go back the next day.

Allan Misner
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Corrective Exercise Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist)

[Edited by MFP Mods]