"resting days"

SisterSueGetsFit

I was just curious if anyone has tips for not feeling guilty on days you don't work out. I know you should take a day or two off, but I somehow always wind up feeling like I should have gone...

Thanks!

LesliePierceRN

I have been doing this long enough that I had to learn the hard way that rest means rest. I used to want to work out every day, I'm quite driven and focused and it's hard for me to turn loose of something once I've got a hold on it.. but I've hit that wall enough to know it hurts and it's best if avoided. Plus, you rebuild when you rest, so if you don't rest, you're in a constant state of tearing down. Not good. I go at it for 2, maybe 3 days, just as hard as anyone ever has, then I rest. And I mean rest.. pajamas, movies, naps. I rest as hard as I work out. And it works. The next day back, I am as strong as a bull and completely unstoppable.

RunHardBeStrong

What helps me is the fact that rest days are when we actually get stronger. When working out day after day we "tear" down our bodies and muscles, it's the rest days that they rebuild and get stronger. If I'm feeling antsy on a rest day I will go for a walk or do some extremely light type of cardio. Nothing intense and definitely no heavy lifting at least 2 days/week for me and I don't let myself feel guilty, I know I'm working hard those other 5 days of the week.

seekingstrengthX2

I have been doing this long enough that I had to learn the hard way that rest means rest. I used to want to work out every day, I'm quite driven and focused and it's hard for me to turn loose of something once I've got a hold on it.. but I've hit that wall enough to know it hurts and it's best if avoided. Plus, you rebuild when you rest, so if you don't rest, you're in a constant state of tearing down. Not good. I go at it for 2, maybe 3 days, just as hard as anyone ever has, then I rest. And I mean rest.. pajamas, movies, naps. I rest as hard as I work out. And it works. The next day back, I am as strong as a bull and completely unstoppable.

Love it. Perfect Advice.
I am 42 and all this exercise is hard on my body. LOL. I kick butt when I workout, but when I rest, I rest. It is much needed and I feel better afterwards.

SisterSueGetsFit

You are right, and I know it. I'm actually hurting today and KNOW going to the gym is not going to be what's good for me. I start a 2 week bootcamp this coming Monday don't want to go into it hurting.

Thanks for the response and best of luck on your journey.

trysha1231

What helps me is the fact that rest days are when we actually get stronger. When working out day after day we "tear" down our bodies and muscles, it's the rest days that they rebuild and get stronger. If I'm feeling antsy on a rest day I will go for a walk or do some extremely light type of cardio. Nothing intense and definitely no heavy lifting at least 2 days/week for me and I don't let myself feel guilty, I know I'm working hard those other 5 days of the week.

Thank you for saying this. I have been exercising 7 days a week and was just advise that I NEED to take those rest days. It's hard for me to accept because I have been so motivated and not wanting to give up. But I also want to see progress in my body and that is not happening. This could be why.
So a nice easy walk on a treadmill the rest days would be ok??

dg09

Designate a day in the week where you decide you want to rest, hang in there for a few weeks -- meaning avoid exercising on that day -- and it will eventually become a part of your schedule. No guilt, and you get the proper rest.

jbrinda1

As a marathon runner, I have learned to cherish rest days. When I am peaking and healthy, that usually means a 20 miler on Saturday and an 8 miler on Sunday. Mondays are sacred rest days to me and when I rest, I truly rest. I don't do a damn thing but let my body recover from the effort of the past week. And I really enjoy those days. I have a good friend in our running group who prides himself on running every day without rest, yet he is always sick and has chronic knee problems. He doesn't take the time to heal and that is why he hasn't had a good marathon in over 3 years. Enjoy the rest days, they are important. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.