Why Rest Days are Important

It happens all the time.

Fitness enthusiasts, new and seasoned, who work out every single day and think that’s how it has to be done. Some do it for the calorie burn, an excuse to eat more later. Some do it because they want to be the best they can be, and so more lifting/running/swimming means better results, right? 

And some, sadly, have become obsessed with the number on the scale, and believe if they take a day off, they’re going to gain weight. (This, by the way, is a big problem. If you’re struggling with something like this, try to seek some help.)

There's a difference between being dedicated and overtraining, and the latter can really sabotage your efforts to improve yourself.

Don't be this guy.

The fact is, our bodies are not machines. 

We can’t just keep going and going and expect to perform at optimum levels. At some point, our bodies will break down, either with fatigue or even injury.

You should be exercising to improve your body and build it, not to punish it. And in order to properly care for your body, you need rest.

Rest days are especially important when you’re attempting to build muscle (which all of you should be doing, regardless of what physique you’re going for). When you lift, you’re intentionally ripping apart your muscle fibers; that’s why you’re sore after a good workout! In order to get stronger and allow your muscles to grow, you need to let them rest so they can be repaired.  

Besides taking a day off from the gym, be sure you’re getting adequate sleep. When we sleep, our level of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), responsible for repair and restoration of our bodies, is at its highest. Without proper sleep (7-9 hours a night; each person needs a different amount of sleep to feel their best), our muscles cannot recover and rebuild as well as they should.  

So get some shuteye! Go to bed an hour earlier. You might miss the Late Late Show, but it’s totally worth it.

If you sleep, you'll be as cute as this puppy!

How much rest do you need?

Well, that really depends on you. Personally, I only work out every other day. I find that I perform at my best that way, plus it makes me feel “normal.” Other people find a schedule of 3 days on, 1 day off works for them.

The only thing I will caution is to not take 2 rest days off in a row. At least in my experience, more than one day off tends to lead to three days off, then a week, and then my running sneakers start to gather dust.

Make a schedule, and stick to it. No ifs, ands, or buts.

 

Look how much fun yoga girl is having! Woo, yoga rest!

Feel weird about just doing nothing for a day? Try some active rest days. Instead of your usual routine, take a long walk. Or try some yoga. Even a good stretching session might make you feel better. You do burn some calories, but you’re not tearing any muscle fibers or putting too much stress on your body. On my off days, I take a 45-minute walk on my lunch break. 

Questions? Comment below, or shoot me an email at katy.hajzer@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!



Lift. Eat. Love. Repeat.