Are Rest Days Necessary?

Amber50lbsDown

I started out working out 5 days a week then as I got more energy an my body started to adapt to working out I started 6 days, Im sitting here and its day 7 and I normally take a rest day but I want to work out.
Is it highly important to let your body rest even if your not tired ?

scottb81

It depends on what you are doing the six days you exercised. If you are never tired the next day then you are probably not working out hard enough.

lambertj

I always take one rest day but it's not all that restful, i use the time to get things done that get neglected during the week.

rlv2680

If you feel like it and think your body is up for it....go for it...but maybe make this workout a little lighter, go for a run or a long walk...yoga maybe

SPNLuver83

bump

ninerbuff

Resting muscles that you exerted intensely the day before need a day of rest. Continually training them won't provide time to rebuild them back up.
If the muscle is "casually" trained, like running for instance, if your fit enough it shouldn't be a problem to train daily.

Your body will indicate if you're not getting enough rest.


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slrrese

When I first started back to working out, all I did was cardio and did it 7 days a week. Now I do 2 days of cardio, 2 days of interval cardio and two days of weight lifting with a day of rest, although on that day I do take a dance class but it is late in the day. Once every several weeks I take a day off when I think I need it. Like the other poster said, depends on how intense your work outs are.

TitanGM

For me they are more than necessary, they're vital. I work out pretty intense, and 2 to 3 days rest are a must for me. But In my days rest I do moderate cardio for 20 or 25 min or other activities that require me to be active.

JustJennie1

It's definitely up to you and how you feel. I work out 5 days a week and some mornings I wake up and I feel like I got hit by a truck and when that happens I know my body is telling me to rest.

It also depends on what you do 6 days a week and whether or not you're working the same muscle group every day. If that's the case then switch things up and definitely take a rest day because your muscles need time to recover. I work one muscle group/day so a true rest isn't really necessary for me.

LilRedRooster

It's kind of an individual thing, based on how you feel and what you're doing, but I find that I work out hard enough that I NEED a rest, because my body wears down to the point where I absolutely need one. And when I find myself getting used to those routines, I increase the intensity so that I still feel like I'm working hard enough wear myself down. But I also do more high-intensity stuff, so that's a lot more taxing than some different workouts.

You're more aware of your body than the rest of us are. Trust that.

minime2b

I always take one rest day but it's not all that restful, i use the time to get things done that get neglected during the week.

I have to agree. Rest days are not just about physical rest for me. I use sunday to get things done, take an emotiona break etc. I would imagine it's a personal preference unless your doing heavy lifting and then rest is needed.

kassied09

Yes, of course they are. You may not feel too tired but eventually you will be and instead of one day off take two which can turn into three and then a week and before you know it you are off course completely! My rest days, however, still include some yoga or walking so I can still get that 'feel-good' vibe yet give my body a break.

Amber50lbsDown

Thank you . I change my routine eveyday, I rarely do the same thing.
I did the 30 day shred 5 days this week, 30-40 mins everyday on my wii fit doing free step, running, hula hoop and boxing. I also walk 15-40 mins a day depending on what I feel like.
so its not that intense.

elysecea

Resting muscles that you exerted intensely the day before need a day of rest. Continually training them won't provide time to rebuild them back up.
If the muscle is "casually" trained, like running for instance, if your fit enough it shouldn't be a problem to train daily.

Your body will indicate if you're not getting enough rest. This^^^^^^


A.C.E. Certified Personal & Group FitnessTrainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Danardeener

It's definitely up to you and how you feel. I work out 5 days a week and some mornings I wake up and I feel like I got hit by a truck and when that happens I know my body is telling me to rest.

It also depends on what you do 6 days a week and whether or not you're working the same muscle group every day. If that's the case then switch things up and definitely take a rest day because your muscles need time to recover. I work one muscle group/day so a true rest isn't really necessary for me.

I do the same thing, I work out one muscle group every day then switch...so resting isn't necessary for me either.

elishabeish

I always take one rest day but it's not all that restful, i use the time to get things done that get neglected during the week.

macylane4

they are when you have family in town and have to go out to eat!!!!!

Huffdogg

They are if you're doing it right.

hesn92

Depends what you're doing. If you're going out running every day then that's not a problem. If you are at the gym lifting heavy weights then yes you need a rest day.

You could always do yoga or go for a walk on your rest day.

bloodguilt

It depends on what you are doing the six days you exercised. If you are never tired the next day then you are probably not working out hard enough.

This. And IMO, it is necessary especially if you're into weight lifting. You don't get stronger in the gym but outside the gym. That's why proper nutrition and recovery is vital IMO.

kelsully

I do not take rest days as often as I probably "should" but I do rest and modify my week's training when I feel fatigued or sore or developing an injury. Usually my rest days fall either once a week to every 10 days. They are good for you but you don't have to lay on the couch you can walk and be active..

kyt1206

On my rest day I do endless stretching to undo all those muscle tension buildups during the week

BigRich822

You always need to rest. Even if you are not hurting or soar. Your muscles need the rest. The rest is what makes your muscles grow.

MHunte

You always need to rest. Even if you are not hurting or soar. Your muscles need the rest. The rest is what makes your muscles grow.

This ^^^^^^