Do I really need a "rest day"?

ahowe07
ahowe07 Posts: 12
in Fitness and Exercise
I do take breaks from the gym but it's summer time! Do I really need a rest day to recover? I go to yoga type classes on my rest days, like Pilates, or bodyflow. This is okay to do?

Replies

  • Miss_james1990
    Miss_james1990 Posts: 214 Member
    Rest days are very important. If you over do it then it does more harm than good, your body needs a decent amount of time to recover.
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    Personally, I feel like rest days are important
  • lisalsd1
    lisalsd1 Posts: 1,519 Member
    I've found it really depends. When I was just doing cardio, I didn't need a break. Now, I lift weights every other day...cardio on opposing days. As the weight has increased, I have started to take 1 complete rest day (no cardio).
  • gypsy_spirit
    gypsy_spirit Posts: 2,107 Member
    I always take one complete rest day per week. On your rest day, your body works to repair the damaged tissues as well as replenish the energy you have lost during your workouts. I used to think that if I felt like working out every day - then I was okay. Now, I'm lifting 3x a week and running 2x a week - I feel like I am maximizing my exercise while giving my muscles what they need to be stronger the next training.

    Even though I was resistant to taking a rest day at first, I now can see and feel the benefits of taking care of my body.
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member
    I think walks and yoga are fine on rest days as long as you don't push yourself. That said, it's my nap time, so you all keep it down in here.
  • danasings
    danasings Posts: 8,218 Member
    I still walk, foam roll, and/or stretch on rest days. But I take one day a week off from running and lifting.
  • danasings
    danasings Posts: 8,218 Member
    I think walks and yoga are fine on rest days as long as you don't push yourself. That said, it's my nap time, so you all keep it down in here.

    *tiptoes out the door*
  • George_Baileys_Ghost
    George_Baileys_Ghost Posts: 1,524 Member
    Rest is essential, but subjective. I would say that in most cases, yoga, pilates or a walk (or playing catch or a pick-up game with your kids, etc.) is fine on a rest day. Some people may need a full day off. You really have to listen to your body. I would say definitely rest though, whether active or sedentary.
  • RHachicho
    RHachicho Posts: 1,115 Member
    Rest is definitely necessary but how much you need really does depend on your body your level of physical fitness and what you are doing. Learn to watch for signs that you are overdoing it. If you suddenly aren't able to lift as heavy or go the distance on the cardio machine you have probably pushed to far. If you never get sore after workouts anymore you could probably stand to push harder. There really is no set in stone rule of x hours of exercise x hours of rest. However you ignore the need for rest at your peril. Not only will you get less out of the exercise but you risk repetitive strain injuries.
  • jessicagrieshaber
    jessicagrieshaber Posts: 167 Member
    Rest days are super important. When you work out, you tear your muscle fibers and they rebuild themselves when you are resting. If you are constantly working out and not giving your body the rest it needs, you could run the risk of overtraining, or even injury.

    If you do not feel the need to take a rest day, make sure you are taking in enough calories a day to make up for your intense exercise schedule, and remember to always listen to your body.

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