Guilty :(

ruthfrench90
ruthfrench90 Posts: 5
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,
Although I don't go to the gym I do have a treadmill and mini stepper at home which i use alternative days. I also do 300 sit ups everyday. The problem is I try to have a rest day each week but on this day I feel guilty for not doing anything apart from sit ups. I also tend to eat more on my rest day.
I was just wondering if I really needed a rest day?

Replies

  • katedevall
    katedevall Posts: 240 Member
    Absolutely! Your body needs a day to repair itself.. I feel guilty every Wednesday (my rest days) for not working out but I know my body deserves that day off
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    you shouldnt over train any muscle in your body, and that includes abs, you should only do them on alternate days.

    as the other post says, rest is as important as the exercise you do, so dont feel bad and dont skip rest days.

    also, try planks instead of just crunches
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    Don't feel guilty for taking a rest day, it's good to take time out.

    However, it depends how intense your workouts are as to whether your body really *needs* a rest day. A rest day for me still usually involves some walking and/or yoga. Keeping the body lightly active can help with muscle recovery by keeping the circulation going and feeding the muscles.
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member

    also, try planks instead of just crunches

    And this.
  • 99cherrypie99
    99cherrypie99 Posts: 205 Member
    You DO NOT need a rest day. That being said, there is nothing wrong with taking a rest day and you shouldn't feel guilty. Or you can do something light - like go for a walk or do some easy yoga. Whatever works best for you and your body.

    JEN

    jenhudsonmosher.blogspot.com
  • Mads1997
    Mads1997 Posts: 1,494 Member
    Don't feel guilty at all. I think most people have one rest day a week, it's good for you. I lift heavy 3-4 days a week and walk the other days. Sunday is my rest day.
  • 1223345
    1223345 Posts: 1,386 Member
    You could just do a light workout. I have a few videos that are just enough to get me some exercise, but not enough to wear me out.
  • eskiadas
    eskiadas Posts: 45 Member
    I am like you. I feel bad on the days I don't go to the gym for a workout, I feel better when i workout. Like other posts have said, on my 'rest' days, I like to do something light, like go for a walk with my kids or even doing some cleaning around the house burns some cals and my house looks great too ;)
  • jrue1985
    jrue1985 Posts: 191 Member

    also, try planks instead of just crunches

    And this.

    Yes, crunches are not all that great. Planks do way more for you! I got nice results on my abs by backing off on sugar, doing planks, and holding my core tight (suck in your abs) while I work out!
  • sammys1girly
    sammys1girly Posts: 1,045 Member
    Even on rest days, I often take a walk.
  • Vaisaxena
    Vaisaxena Posts: 109 Member
    First of all, if you are not strength training - you will not really see the results you are truly looking for. But that's your prerogative in the end - with that said, if you choose to do only cardio-based workouts daily then no, you do not need a rest-day. Situps are known to cause herniated discs and host of other back issues - use planks or weighted planks to improve abdominal strength. Situps and planks will do nothing for ab definition - if that's what you're after.
    Cheers.
    Hi,
    Although I don't go to the gym I do have a treadmill and mini stepper at home which i use alternative days. I also do 300 sit ups everyday. The problem is I try to have a rest day each week but on this day I feel guilty for not doing anything apart from sit ups. I also tend to eat more on my rest day.
    I was just wondering if I really needed a rest day?
  • MayaSPapaya
    MayaSPapaya Posts: 735 Member
    Your body needs a rest day, so don't feel guilty about it! I take 2 rest days a week and work out 5 days, and I love my rest days, don't feel guilty about them at all :)
  • Scarlett_Belle
    Scarlett_Belle Posts: 145 Member
    I feel guilty over my rest days but:

    1.) my body needs it

    2.) for some reason I lose more from a rest day then a normal workout day (hey I am NOT complaining)

    3.) If you are really uncomfortable with it that means you are stressing out which can slightly impair your ability to lose weight

    So I reccomend:

    If you have any dog's just talk them for a nice walk or offer to take an edlerly neighbor's cat for a walk. Since you have to do that to move around it can't be construde as exercise per se so much as you are just keeping the calories burning. Plus if you do have a cheat meal don't have it on your rest day have it on a day you kick @SS with exercise :flowerforyou:

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