Day off of working out question

jenlipe

Based on recommendations for my fatigued legs I am taking a day off to give them a rest from Zumba, running, swimming and eliptical. My question is...

Would it be ok to lift (arms only) or do a yoga class (with slow stretches)? Or is an off day a totally off day?

Plates559

Yes it would be okay to lift, by why just your arms, are your shoulders, upper back, chest, and abdominals not important to you?

Yes it would be ok to do yoga.

A rest day should be treated with ACTIVE rest... stretch, foam roll, grocery shop good foods so you aren't cheating later on in the week, drink some herbal tea, take a nap, meditate, jog, work on your mobility, etc.

jenlipe

Sorry, I lumped my upper workout into arms. But I know it is for other upper body parts. I tend to think of them as either a leg workout or an arm workout.

Plates559

Some people will plan their lifting days as an Upper - Lower - Upper - Lower etc scheme so they constantly have one section of their body resting and one ready to be used.

I personally organize my lifting by types of lifts, such as:
Monday - Deadlifts and assisting muscle groups
Tuesday - Overhead Press and assisting..
Wednesday - Olympic lifts and a cardio type work out
Thursday - Squat and assisting
Friday - Bench and assisting
Saturday - Olympic lifts and a cardio type work out
Sunday - Rest

**I work out quite often and my type of frequency isn't necessary for the average person.

b1delane

@Jenlipe Glad you asked this question! Sometimes I feel really guilty mentally for taking a day off even when physically my body is done for!
@Plates Great answer too!