We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Rest Days??

maryd523
maryd523 Posts: 661 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I just looked through my exercise journal and I haven't taken a rest day since July 11. I do high-intensity cardio most days and also do Bodypump a couple times per week. On my last "rest" day, I ended up walking fast for an hour and burned over 500 calores. AND was sore the next day (from walking!).

I know rest days are important between strength-training sessions, but how necessary are they from cardio? Does a long, fast walk count as "rest"?

I hate not exercising because I'm on 1200 calories per day and find it really difficult to stay under without the extra that exercise gives me. Yes, I exercise to get healthy. (But also so I won't go over my calories and can eat more.)

Thanks for any help.

Replies

  • wonnder1
    wonnder1 Posts: 460
    If I cardio to the point of soreness the next day I rest. But normally no. But-if your system is still working for you-yay! That is an ethic I can't keep up myself!
  • mangirl
    mangirl Posts: 93
    if you take a rest day just eat normally(over 1200) you should be fine especially if you are losing weight steadily and not eating all of your calories back all the time.

    I know what you mean though it is hard for me to not exercise during any free time that I have.
  • Sooznine
    Sooznine Posts: 29 Member
    I have only had 5 true rest days since April 18. I mix up the cardio, tho... Running, biking, Strength/cardio intervals, walking. I just don't feel right if i don't do *something* every day... and it sure helps staying under the calorie goal.
  • MissB0949
    MissB0949 Posts: 142 Member
    I used to do that. I would do tae-bo every night followed by a little strength-training. It finally caught up with me and my injury drastically decreased the amount of exercise I was able to perform. Do what you can to stay injury free. Yoga is great.
  • FaithsVegWorkout
    FaithsVegWorkout Posts: 471
    I workout 3 days then take a day off. My goal is cardio twice a week, strength training the other days.
  • maryd523
    maryd523 Posts: 661 Member
    I have only had 5 true rest days since April 18. I mix up the cardio, tho... Running, biking, Strength/cardio intervals, walking. I just don't feel right if i don't do *something* every day... and it sure helps staying under the calorie goal.

    I agree....I mix up my cardio so I don't get bored and also so my body doesn't get complacent.
  • ewegner
    ewegner Posts: 48 Member
    I was wondering the same thing last week. I did take 3 days off, but still made sure I walked at a moderate pace for 45 min a day and claned like a crazy lady, so is that considered rest? I couldnt just not do anything cause my mindset is so stuck in this routine (that and I too was down to 1200 calories a day). However, right before my 'rest' from interval training, I went to a health fair and talked to a fitness coach. She looked @ my workout routine and asked which day I rested. She said you should always allow you body at least 1 day of rst per week so that your muscles can get a break and that this actually decreases the risk of injury to yourself. She said regardless of cardio or strength training, you mentally and physically should give your body a day. After that weekend, coincidentally I felt exhausted..and decided to try and take a 'rest' for a few days...i think it helped. I dropped 1.5lbs just by my cleaning and walking and I upped my calories. I guess, like someone mentioned before, if it's working for you, go with it..but always listen to your body. I feel like sometimes we get too wrapped up in this weight-loss and just keep going until we run out of steam..thinking, 'but I have to'. You seem to be in great shape with all of the different cardio you do and you're enjoying it, so keep it up and just take a day if you have to every now and then.
  • Amysgetnfit
    Amysgetnfit Posts: 231
    I say your body does need some rest, to recouperate damamge done to muscles & joints, but that doesnt mean that your rest day you sit on your butt, do stuff, just take it more leisurely than a work out day. even days that i dont work out Im still busy, unless im sick. But I know like this week monday was an off day for me because I worked out hard & this weekened we did a lot of work on our property... try cutting up tress & moving them for exercise! cardio & weights all in one. Monday morning I was a hurting puppy, & today I was a light day. your body will tell you what it needs :-)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories