Short runs - do I need rest days?

nikkitodhunter
nikkitodhunter Posts: 110
in Fitness and Exercise
OK, my current excersize regime is:

Morning - weightlifting to tone arms
I lift very light weights - homemade, from two socks full of pennies! haha! - but don't lecture me on how I should be lifting more, I'm getting the results I want.
I do 8 different lifts, each for 3 sets of 15-20 reps.

I then also do some squats and lunges (usually 2 sets of 20), pressups (30, or 2 sets of 20) and variations on situps/planks/etc to work my abs and core.

Then I usually go for a 14 min brisk run - about 7.5mph (I time myself and work this out, I keep a pretty steady and quick pace but I'm NOT a long-distance person, at least not for a long while yet.)

I do give myself days off but they tend to just be if I can't fit a run into my schedule. I've started only doing the lifting on alternate days too, as I understand the importance of giving my muscles a rest.

But I'm wondering, with short runs and not 'proper' weightlifting according to many people on here, do I need those days off? Or should I let myself do my routine every day?

Replies

  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    With only running a short time, u probably don't need many off days. As far as the strength goes, just tru not to do tge same routine 2 days in a row.
  • nikkitodhunter
    nikkitodhunter Posts: 110
    Thanks, but what's wrong with doing the same routine twice in a row? People who say you need to 'change it up and confuse your muscles'....I don't buy that, really!
  • Hezzietiger1
    Hezzietiger1 Posts: 1,256 Member
    Rest days are for muscle recovery.. doesn't sound like your muscles need recovery. I'd say you are fine.
  • Lane1012
    Lane1012 Posts: 211 Member
    your muscles need time to repair themselves, that's how you build strength .. if you constantly tear and break them down you could really hurt your progress and yourself.

    edit, as for the running, I am using Hal Higdon's marathon training program and it has me running 3-6 miles three days in a row, taking a rest day and then doing 2 longer runs back to back before another rest day .. every week. So I think you're fine with the short runs on consecutive days, as long as you feel good.
  • autumnk921
    autumnk921 Posts: 1,374 Member
    Thanks, but what's wrong with doing the same routine twice in a row? People who say you need to 'change it up and confuse your muscles'....I don't buy that, really!


    It's not that you shouldn't lift 2 days in a row but you shouldn't work the same areas of the body 2 days in a row b/c you want to let your muscles repair themselves...Most people do rest between days of lifting though...As with ANY exercise routine, your body NEEDS rest days just to give it a break and to repair...It's a good thing and not bad in any way..

Categories