Rest Days

juniperbug1980
juniperbug1980 Posts: 35
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello, hello.
Just wondering if everyone takes a rest day a week, and what do you do on those days? I know my brother does absolutely nothing, but sometimes I find myself going for a walk, even if it is just for half an hour.
Do you think that rest days are necessary? And if so, what do you do?

Replies

  • Pearlyladybug
    Pearlyladybug Posts: 882 Member
    Thursdays are my rest days! mainly because I'm tired and want to go home! and most weekend days as i live a good 20min tram ride to the gym! but i do walk on at lest one of those days even if its just around the city walking to the supermarket etc.

    I have been wanting to get up and go for a run/walk sat or sunday mornings but i love my sleep in way to much!
  • RepsnSets
    RepsnSets Posts: 805 Member
    I workout intensely 6 days a week so I have Sunday as a rest day and do nothing.....usually. Every few weeks I take a full week off from lifting but I will do a little cardio.
  • juniperbug1980
    juniperbug1980 Posts: 35
    Having an entire week off sounds like a brilliant holiday! I keep thinking that I should do absolutely nothing.
  • labellecanuck
    labellecanuck Posts: 105 Member
    I don't take prescribed rest days, but in the past month or so there have been a couple times I was too lazy to go to the gym so I just did videos on youtube instead.
  • danmcgarrigle5
    danmcgarrigle5 Posts: 90
    I workout fairly hard, and I use rest days, I don't schedule them but take them when I feel I need one, usually about once every 10 days or so. I don't workout on those days but I will still do stuff. I do a lot of cardio, and lift maybe 3 days a week sometimes I skip one or two days between lifting but still do cardio
  • katrinajMiles
    katrinajMiles Posts: 71 Member
    I go to the gym 6 - 7 days a week. I find if I take a full rest day and do nothing I get out of routine if my body is really screaming for a break I'll take it easy just do a yoga class or do a short run or walk on that day.

    I enjoy exercise and going to my gym as well so that probably is another reason why I go everyday.
  • soni_me
    soni_me Posts: 95 Member
    I do work out 6 days a week with 1 rest day, but often on my rest day I walk or do a short cardio workout. I've gotten into the habit of exercise and just want to every day, even if it is just light cardio. If I feel I need the rest, I do nothing.
  • jimmie65
    jimmie65 Posts: 655 Member
    Sunday is my rest day,so I only do walks,biking, and yoga (usually).
  • majope
    majope Posts: 1,325 Member
    I run 5-6 days a week (usually 6) and do Pilates or yoga and a little upper body work 2-3 times a week on my lighter run days. If I run 5 days I'll do some other cardio on one non-running day (like stationary bike). I try to take one complete rest day per week to let my body heal and recover, but I also listen to my body and if I feel really run down I'll take another. I also have a cut back week every 4 weeks or so where I reduce my running mileage to give my body a break.

    If my body tells me I need a rest day, I don't do anything but rest. On my scheduled rest day, if I feel really restless I might go for a walk--not a power walk, just a couple of miles at a stroll, like walking to the grocery store and back.
  • LeonnieH
    LeonnieH Posts: 209 Member
    I try to rest once a week and usually it's a Sunday which is family time and mostly just chilling out at home, usually have family visit us. I enjoy cooking so usually keep busy making the Sunday roast and maybe some baking. Still often get a walk in with the dog or a half hour of pilates but neither of those are particularly energy burning activities so I consider them a rest.
  • wanabefitter
    wanabefitter Posts: 24
    I take a rest day, it allows your body to repair itself! in building it up, you do put additional stress on yourself.

    That said, I have taken to a good walk on a rest day, makes me feel better!
  • juniperbug1980
    juniperbug1980 Posts: 35
    So it sounds like most people have rest days but still do something a little gentle. I ended up taking a rest day this week because I had neuralgia running from my knee down, and when I noted my weight the next day I saw a pattern. I actually drop more weight if I have a rest day.
    Yes, I know I shouldn't weigh myself every day but it gives me something to be obsessive about other than calories.
  • elissiara
    elissiara Posts: 28 Member
    I work out hard 6 times a week and normally take my rest day on a Sunday but I struggle to keep with it I find I feel guilty or antsy and end up going to the gym anyway even though I have seen for myself that when I take a rest day I have a good weigh in.
    Its good to take a rest day though for the muscles to repair.
  • marvybells
    marvybells Posts: 1,984 Member
    i alternate longer/harder work outs with lighter ones, so i guess it's more like recovery days. i don't like to schedule rest days in. So i just keep going like that until my body tells me it needs rest. then i rest.
  • jjrichard83
    jjrichard83 Posts: 483 Member
    yep. I have 2 or 3 rest days a week. Body needs time to heal. However some weeks I have 5 rest days, and some I have none. All depends on how I feel.

    For weight loss (and muscle gain) diet is more important than the amount of workout anyway. If you eat much better you will need fewer rest days to heal
  • robin820
    robin820 Posts: 150 Member
    I take at least one rest day a week and about every 4 weeks I take a break for a week, doing stuff, but just different stuff other than the Insanity I have been working on for 6 months. This also helps me from becoming bored with what I do. Good luck and I believe rest days are important to keeo you sane and safe! :O)
  • kelly101386
    kelly101386 Posts: 389 Member
    On a rest day I usually walk as well, just nothing strenuous. Your muscles need time to repair and recover once in a while :D

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