Every exercise program or training plan will always allot time for the body to rest. This is the same as instructors teaching you the benefits of cooling down after an intense session. Rest days are exactly what it is: to give time for the body to recover and the muscles to repair itself.
And no, rest days are not a waste of time. Even though you might say that you can still work out or train on that specific day, trainers will most likely be against it. You can, however, convert it to “active rest,” or do less intense workouts while recovering.
This article will touch on the science behind resting after each workout and its critical part in your program.
𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘
Exercising uses up the body’s energy supplies. Using these supplies will cause our muscles to break down.
Rest days restock on these energy supplies, especially after every workout. A good rest day will also repair any strained muscle tissues
𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆
Like everything else, “overtraining” is real. Working out too much can cause your body to malfunction. A good recovery time can prevent the development of “overtraining syndrome” and prevent bodily malfunctions such as lower immunity and mood swings.
These bodily malfunctions can impede your workout performance and can often lead to injuries. Rest days allow time for the body to recover, making sure that your performance will improve on your next workout.
𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒
As you go through your workout routine, you will notice your body needs additional physical stress to improve performance. Naturally, you will increase the intensity.
Doing it too much, however, can lead to injuries.
This is why trainers set up rest days during the workout week to prevent such injuries from happening. They understand that the human body can only handle a certain level of stress depending on where you are in your program.
𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐗
Working out doesn’t just focus on the physical aspect, but also tugs in a mental side. As you concentrate and focus on a set, your mind works to push and gives you a silent motivation.
Relaxing after an intense workout calms your mind as well as your body. This also frees up time to do other things like work, other hobbies, or spending time with friends and family.
𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐔𝐏 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆-𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐘 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐒
Scheduling your workout sessions in advance can help build long-term healthy habits and rest days are part of it.
This can make your workout regimen more sustainable as you can base your schedule on your timetable. For example, you can use one of your rest days to replace a workout day. It’s like compensating an important plan with another important plan.
𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐘 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐏 𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐄
Regular exercise can help you get a good night’s sleep, but going all out will also have its consequences.
Physical activities prompt the body to produce energy-boosting hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Having too much of these hormones can prevent you from catching those Zs at night.
Rest days can help your body regulate the production of these hormones and return its levels to a normal state.
Listen to your coach. Listen to your body. Just because you’re hyped up, doesn’t mean you go all week training without resting. Reap the benefits of a balanced workout with a good diet and enough rest.
