Exercise v Rest Days

sweatymary

Hi All,

Since adopting my new healthy lifestyle - eating sensibly and exercising - I'm trying to find the right balance.

I have joined a gym and am mixing cardio and strength training with yoga and tai chi classes. I might have become a bit obsessed with exercise and have recently been in the gym for 8 days in a row and must confess to feeling tired.

My question is ... what is the right combination of exercise and 'rest' days to get the most from what I am trying to do?

Thanks for taking the time to read this :-D

BerryH

If you're working out hard, you should have one or two rest days a week. They don't have to be completely sedentary - I use "active rest" like walking or swimming rather than a full-on run or gym session. You'll be amazed how much more energy you have to put into your next workout after a rest!

Hope that helps.

joehempel

Hi All,

Since adopting my new healthy lifestyle - eating sensibly and exercising - I'm trying to find the right balance.

I have joined a gym and am mixing cardio and strength training with yoga and tai chi classes. I might have become a bit obsessed with exercise and have recently been in the gym for 8 days in a row and must confess to feeling tired.

My question is ... what is the right combination of exercise and 'rest' days to get the most from what I am trying to do?

Thanks for taking the time to read this :-D

I go for 6 days straight and take an "active rest day". It just means that I'll walk or bike or whatever.
I use P90X as my guideline for my workout schedule (I don't stick to the P90X schedule, swapping out running with their off strength day workouts) But you should take a rest day in order for your muscles to heal...they grow when they are AT REST.

shanice_22

With strength training you could give yourself 1-2 days rest as you shouldn't work the same muscle groups 2 days in a row. So for example Monday work on your upper body, Tuesday work on your abdominals, Wednesday work on your lower body, Thursday back to upper body, and so on. That's just an example but I'm sure you get the idea.

sgrinavi

There are no set-fast rules about rests..... it sounds like you are doing a great job listening to your body. If, after 8 days in your case, you need a little rest then back off off for a day..

sweatymary

Thank you all for the great advice ... great help :-D xxx