When do you think you need a rest day?

I run 6-7 days per week and strength train 2 days. But some of those days are light/easy days in place of total rest days. When my body needs a complete rest day, I take it. I have learned to listen to my body and do what it tells me. It used to be tough to get over that mental hurdle of feeling like I am not doing enough, but I just had to keep reminding myself that your progress comes in the recovery. After a while, you begin to actually see this. I know that I would not be able to run 6-7 days per week if those light days were not the equivalent of rest days, if that makes sense. You simply can't go all out 7 days per week. It becomes counter productive.

Today will be my 8th day at the gym. It was supposed to be a much needed rest day, but I ended up getting 9 hours of sleep last night and feel amazing today so will be hitting back and biceps this evening. I just take one when I feel I need one - this usually ends up being every 6 - 7 days.

"When do you think you need a rest day?"

"Today I 100% should have taken a complete break, especially after I took a look at how many calories I burned last night! Skiing burns some crazy calories!"

"Of course I tried to work out this morning, but made a lackluster showing on arms, then barely made 17 minutes on the elliptical."

We have to, or at least should, listen to our bodies and modify our activities as needed. We aren't machines.

You take an unscheduled rest day when you feel you need a rest day. Based on your quotes, above, sounds like you knew this. No need to feel guilty. Sometimes a body just needs to rest. If you feel you MUST do something, light stretching, soft slow cardio, (just to get blood flowing), something easy might be OK.

I try to work out 4-5 days in a row. I was on day 4 yesterday and God I was tired when I got home from work, I was starving. I just did not want to but felt guilty like I had to. But I didnt. Instead we ordered in some food. Tried to make healthier choices and eat not a lot. And i did not go to the gym. I felt SO much better this morning and this whole day. I'm not exhausted and I'll go when I ge home to the gym. Listen to your body, I still feel guilty but I'll be able to pick it up and hopefully finish the week stronger.

I had to get over the mental hurdle of being able to skip and not feel guilty. I now try and plan one rest day, if I have time, I do an active rest with something not intense or heavy. Walking or a lazy swim. When my body is sore, I will take a break guilt free now. When I worked out too much, it has led to some minor injuries that make me take more rest days. I think that is how I got over the guilt! Occasionally I still get into workout mode and don't miss for 10 days in a row, my trainer will notice and put a rest day on my schedule.

My schedule is usually 2 days on, 1 off, 3 days on, 1 off, repeat.