You don't need to work out 7 days a week. Your body needs a break from working out. You might even need 2 ACTIVE REST days depending on your injury situation. You will come back stronger and fresher after your day(s) of ACTIVE REST.
Don't confuse a day of ACTIVE REST with DOING NOTHING or having A LIGHT WORKOUT DAY. ACTIVE REST days allow you to get your heart rate elevated and blood circulating. Also, an ACTIVE REST day is not a day off from good nutrition! Follow your same nutrition schedule.
So, what are some good ACTIVE REST day activities. First, find something you enjoy. Some examples would be gardening, walking at the park, household chores, cutting the lawn, swimming------basically any activity that is relaxing and will get your heart rate elevated. Just remember, do not workout! You get the chance to work your muscles in a different way, using different (many times more natural) motions.
I have loved working out since I was a kid. A day off will not hurt your progress if you do it right. It will prevent over-training, injuries and mental fatigue. Go ahead and give it a try!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Take A Rest Day From Working Out----Active Rest
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2 comments:
Mark - Great advice. I think a lot of people hear the word "rest" and they immediately think it's time to lay on the couch eating chips and twinkies while watching Oprah. A more appropriate rest day would be going for a walk instead of the gym. There's no such thing as "couch potato day" except for Superbowl Sunday.
Well said Ryan!
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