Do you have to have rest days for lifting?

swilk627

I'm just wondering the science and logic behind why it's necessary. I did BodyPump last night and at the time I felt I was pushing myself hard. However, this morning, only my triceps are really sore. So is there a reason why I couldn't do more core/chest/shoulder work today?

Someone seriously just needs to be my friend and educate me and let me ask a thousand questions - I want to do this so badly but I just feel lost!

trmecham

Rest days are essential. Lifting weights basically causes micro tears in the muscle. Resting allows these tears to heal and strengthen. Your rest days are when progress is actually made. Kind of counter-intuitive.

HeidiMightyRawr

Rest days are essential. Lifting weights basically causes micro tears in the muscle. Resting allows these tears to heal and strengthen. Your rest days are when progress is actually made. Kind of counter-intuitive.

Yes, this!!

zafferFL

You need more rest the more you lift. Body pump does not need the same kind of rest as if you were power lifting for instance.

But, seeing as your muscles are hurting, that means muscle has been torn and it's in a state of repair. No need to train that again, let it heal.

Quickster34

just because your muscles aren't sore doesnt mean they dont need to rebuild and rest, as above mentioned your only actually building muscles during your rest , while workiking out you are only tearing the muscle down, so without rest you wont get muscle growth and you will increase potential for injury

UponThisRock

First of all, muscle soreness is inflammation in the connective tissues. It's not necessarily an indicator of a good workout, nor is it an indicator of how much rest you need.

When looking at how much rest you need, the question to ask is how much rest will give me maximum results. When strength training, more is not always better (a lesson many of us learn the hard way). Getting as much rest as you can while still doing enough work to make good progress is the proper balance. Muscles don't grow while you're in the gym, they grow when you're eating and resting

So, too little or too much rest and progress will be slower than it should be. Generally speaking, less experienced trainees don't need much volume (3 full body workouts per week is plenty). The more experienced you get, you need to add more volume to continue to get results.

As to your specific question, I can't give you any recommendations on the bodypump routine, since I'm unfamiliar with it. However, I can say that while you may be able to complete a core/chest/shoulder workout today without any problems, that doesn't make it a good idea.

swilk627

Thanks! I'll try to be patient and not rush the process!

eschwab855

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html..... follow it the programs work and as you watch the videos your questions will all be answered do you diet here trust me it works look at my progress cant post pics sorry shy lol but in 7 short weeks i have a hugely different body hope it works for you if you choose it I can help you as well