How important are rest days and how should they work?

shoppie

I do quite a range of exercise, I did even before I started dieting. I walk briskly pushing the pushchair, swim, and use the lateral thigh trainer. So far I have:
T - 30 mins lateral thigh trainer
F- 60 mins brisk walking with pushchair
S- swam 64 lengths

Would it be ok to use the trainer again today? Or should I take a rest day? In my head I kind of don't count the pushchair if you know what I mean, but according to the database it burns a lot of calories. How many rest days are you meant to take per week?

shoppie

I do quite a range of exercise, I did even before I started dieting. I walk briskly pushing the pushchair, swim, and use the lateral thigh trainer. So far I have:
T - 30 mins lateral thigh trainer
F- 60 mins brisk walking with pushchair
S- swam 64 lengths

Would it be ok to use the trainer again today? Or should I take a rest day? In my head I kind of don't count the pushchair if you know what I mean, but according to the database it burns a lot of calories. How many rest days are you meant to take per week?

Poison5119

If you are just starting, take it easy. Take a break every 5-6 days. Some people like to do that no matter what. AFter I got conditioned to exercise, I didn't take a break but every 14-16 days. I was afraid of losing momentum and motivation if I stopped every 6 days. The results show.

As they say, your mileage may vary. The body needs a break every now and again, to regenerate any collateral damage that may have occurred, so take a day off after 5 days.

debmac63

Everybody is different but I allow myself one day off a week. Now I may not take it, but I know it's there if I want to use it. It makes a difference too if you're weight lifting, I know you're supposed to rest the muscles used. But right now I'm just walking/running and will get into the weights this spring, hopefully.

Nonibug

I also take one day off a week (Sundays ) but I try not to just lay around on that day. I do regular things like housework, laundry, sometimes some shopping, etc. Just move:happy:

Nich0le

Weight training = 48 hours inbetween working the same body part. that is why a lot of people work upper body one day then lower body etc.

Cardio you should take a rest day every 3-4 days. Same concept as weights, you need to allow your muscles to heal and get stronger.

The main point to a rest day is to provide your muscles a chance to change and get stronger, without adequate rest you will actually make your muscles weaker and more prone to injury.

Usually my rest day involves me cleaning the house and getting a ton of laundry done so it is worth it