Opinions on rest days?

So my schedule right now is a 4 day split. I left heavy Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Then I do cardio most days a week except it is usually only an HIIT for 20 minutes and on leg days maybe only a 15 minute moderate paced warm up. I'm wondering if I should take more rest days? How often to do you all take rest days and what are they like?

Replies

  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Yes, take more rest days.

    What are rest days like? Restful
  • ssteinbring677
    ssteinbring677 Posts: 158 Member
    I do the same 4 day split as you, and I usually only do extended cardio (more than 15 minutes) one day a week, usually on Sundays. So my rest days are on Wednesday and Saturday. On those days, I just don't go to the gym and enjoy the time off. Your body needs breaks, especially when you're trying to build muscle, so give it the time it needs.
  • Scouter123
    Scouter123 Posts: 12 Member
    Your body needs rest days to recover and re-build muscle. Just like it needs to be hydrated and well-nourished.
    If you don't do it, it will catch up to you eventually and you will be forced to rest with an injury, better to choose it.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    Yes, take more rest days.

    What are rest days like? Restful

    You know what I like to do on rest days?

    Rest. (No, seriously. A lot of people really struggle with this.)
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    your body doesn't build muscle on work out days. it builds it on rest days.

    a rest day should be nothing more then a yoga class, some light stretching at home, a walk, a light swim or bike ride. it should be relaxing.
  • passmetheducksauce
    passmetheducksauce Posts: 211 Member
    my rest days are about 1 to 2 days a week. resting means not exercising and eating lots of junk food but only going over a 500 daily caloric surplus
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I always take at least one day off a week, sometimes two if I'm tired or my schedule is busy. Sometimes I'll take more - I went four days (still moving around, walked my dogs, did housework etc, not a total couch potato all four days) without exercise a couple of months ago because I just felt I needed a break - it was awesome! Came back to my workouts refreshed and feeling strong.

    Rest is good!
  • MidwestAngel
    MidwestAngel Posts: 1,897 Member
    No rest for the wicked


    But seriously, rest days are necessary.