What happens if you don't take a day off between lifts?

iowalinda

What is the reasoning behind not lifting every day? Don't your muscles still develop?

mmapags

You can lift every day. You just don't want to work the same muscle group every day. The reason is that you break the muscles down with the workout and they get stronger by recovering and rebuilding through rest.

sardelsa

If you are doing a typical full body program then a rest day in between is usually a good idea for optimal recovery and progress. Follow how it is designed to be run.

But you can work the same muscle everyday. It will depend on your programming however... so what lifts and how demanding it is on your body. It also depends on the muscle. There are programs that work the glutes for example up to 6x per week, but we aren't talking heavy squats here everyday, it is designed very specifically with certain exercises and not to failure so you aren't overtraining.

Lean59man

When you lift weights you get micro-tears in your muscles which need time to heal. Hence taking a day off.

Many times when you lift everyday, even though you train different muscle groups, you do also involve the muscles you trained the day before. If you train chest and back today, and then train shoulders and arms tomorrow, you will hit many of the same muscles again (deltoids, triceps, biceps). You also make inroads into your general recovery ability.

The freaky bodybuilders and powerlifters on the internet are taking large quantities of steroids which allow their bodies to heal very, very rapidly. This allows them to train 5-6, even 7 days a week and recover.

Unfortunately, unless you are taking those drugs, you won't recover as quickly. Thus, people find themselves not making progress, not making strength gains or gains in muscle size.

More is not necessarily better in weight training.

I do not recommend taking drugs.

iowalinda

Does this translate over into other exercises, as well? So, would it not be recommended for a person to jog/run everyday?

AnvilHead

iowalinda wrote: »

Does this translate over into other exercises, as well? So, would it not be recommended for a person to jog/run everyday?

It depends on whether or not the right intensity and recovery has been factored into the program. If one is doing it willy-nilly upon their own whims, it's not a good idea. If one is following a properly/professionally designed program and is properly conditioned for it, it may be appropriate.

iowalinda

AnvilHead wrote: »

iowalinda wrote: »

Does this translate over into other exercises, as well? So, would it not be recommended for a person to jog/run everyday?

It depends on whether or not the right intensity and recovery has been factored into the program. If one is doing it willy-nilly upon their own whims, it's not a good idea. If one is following a properly/professionally designed program and is properly conditioned for it, it may be appropriate.

I had to chuckle at "willy-nilly" That pretty much describes my exercise program, as I work out on my own without professional guidance

mmapags

iowalinda wrote: »

AnvilHead wrote: »

iowalinda wrote: »

Does this translate over into other exercises, as well? So, would it not be recommended for a person to jog/run everyday?

It depends on whether or not the right intensity and recovery has been factored into the program. If one is doing it willy-nilly upon their own whims, it's not a good idea. If one is following a properly/professionally designed program and is properly conditioned for it, it may be appropriate.

I had to chuckle at "willy-nilly" That pretty much describes my exercise program, as I work out on my own without professional guidance

That doesn't have to be the case. Here is a great listing of proven programs. Pick one that works for you.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

Strongerxthanxyesterday

You need to give time for your muscles to breathe a little.