Rest Days

GillianLF

I have heard mixed things about rest days and just wondering what you guys make of them. I had thought that they were vital for recovery.

I tend to walk a lot so a whole day of rest is very rare. I also have started the 30 day shred and my understanding is that its 30 consecutive days of doing the workouts...which I find a bit intense.

I would appreciate any input into how you work rest into your routine, if at all, and how important you consider rest days. Also do you eat differently on your rest days?

Thank you, Gillian

kristinegift

When I've done 30DS, I've taken 2 days off per week. It stretches the program out longer but also gives you time to recover, as the first few days of the new workouts can leave you really sore!

I run 95% of the time, and I rest 2 days a week. I think they're very important, because it lets you recharge physically and mentally.

GillianLF

Thanks for that! I was wondering with the 30DS as I really think I do need recovery days! Even if it makes the programme longer

GillianLF

Hadnt planned a rest day today but I'm so sore after yesterdays workout I'm struggling to walk!

piperdown44

Hmm, I rest every day from 10pm to 5:30am.........

BrianSharpe

Full rest days are rarely necessary (I'll usually take a day or two off after a race) but you do need recovery days, especially if you're lifting heavy or are relatively new to running (or are injury prone). Recovery days need not be sitting on the sofa eating bon bons though; walk, ride your bike, swim......mix up intensity and impact and listen your body.

lorrpb

If you feel you need a rest day, definitely take one even if it's not scheduled in your program.

GillianLF

I'm trying to mix up the workouts so I'm focusing on different muscle groups. That has worked well this week. I guess I'll never have a day of complete rest. When in work I walk to my bus, at weekends I clean.
But I am trying to workout as efficiently as I can. I believe it is stress on the body that gradually changes it but I'm curious about the rest and repair aspect too.

Now that I'm back in college I'm getting my workouts where I can so it tends to be quite mixed. I'm sore today in my arms, abs and upper back after an intense class but I'll be spinning so I'll be working a different muscle group.

patrikc333

not sure if it'll be wise or not, but I'm not planning any full rest day

on the contrary, I try to rest within a day or between 2 activities

I found I was more tired and not motivated on a rest day than when having to do my daily run

but this works for me, everyone is different

needtolosethatweight26

I am doing the 30 day shred and I rest two days per week. I have lost 4lbs after level 1 of the shred with a 1500 calorie diet.