rest days?

I love my rest days! I always take at least one, sometimes two if I'm busy or feel I need it. And every 8-12 weeks or so, I take a full week off.

The body heals and repairs itself when it's at rest - it's good for ya! Now rest day doesn't mean be a couch potato and only move from the sofa to the refrigerator (although I do have rest days like that! LOL), but no planned strenuous exercise - go for a walk, take a bike ride, shoot some baskets, clean the house... You don't have to be totally idle, but take a day off.

For me, it's good for mind and body.

Yes, they are absolutely important, especially if you are doing something that puts high stress on the muscles.

If whatever you are doing is making you sore, then a rest day is probably in order, so the muscles can rebuilt and sort themselves.

As noted above, that doesn't mean sit on your can.

My personal workout regimen is thus:

Monday: 1 mile walk @ cardio zone (about 220-230 BPM), half hour-or-fail of DDPYoga, also in cardio zone.
Tuesday. 1.5-2 mile walk, more leisurely pace. specific 12-or-fail (6 exercises on the bowflex).
Weds: repeat Monday.
thus: just walk.
Friday: Tuesday again.
Saturday Monday again.
Sunday :walk.

It works well, doesn't leave me very sore at all, (minor "hey, you used this stuff!" sore, but not "OMG I can't lift my arm" sore)

I wear a HRM for all exercising, and track it with Endomondo.

It's working.. I'm losing weight at a sustainable and rational pace, I'm putting on inches in some areas (chest, thighs, calves), and I feel absolutely awesome, most of which I credit to the DDPYoga. Having full range of motion back in my spine, alone, would make it worth it, even not counting the weight loss and toning.

rest up! your body will love you for it!