The Importance of Rest Days for Fitness Progress
You don’t need rest days. They only slow down your progress. When you want results, work out every day. If you have ever heard those words, you’re probably doubting the importance of rest days.
Learn the benefits and importance of rest days.
“There’s a virtue in work, and there’s a virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.”
Why rest when you can thrive today, tomorrow, always?
Yeah, but to thrive (while smiling), your body and you need rest.
Rest days are important for a successful and healthy fitness journey. Implement them into your program, and learn to enjoy them.
Rest days are great as long as you don’t punish yourself for having a break. Which, by the way, you deserve.
Let me prove my point with a shortlist.
What happens with your body when it’s too active?
You’re constantly tired and moody;
You’re stressed;
You're more likely to have an injury;
Your glycogen levels might decrease. Your energy comes from glycogen. So, this isn't something you want to lose;
Your exercise performance gets worse;
You’ll have much slower and harder fitness progress;
Your mental health suffers.
Those are a few significant reasons that reveal the importance of rest days.
So, let’s dive into some more details.
What is a rest day?
A rest day is a day when you don’t work out.
You take a break from your fitness program. For example, enjoy a day with family and friends, find a new hobby, or take the day for yourself.
Rest days are important because your body can recover effectively (and way quicker!). Also, you can prevent any chances of injury.
When is it okay to take a rest day?
The correct answer here is whenever your body tells you so.
Your body knows its capability. Learn to listen to its signs.
If you’ve been working out for four days in a row, chances are, on the next day, you feel sore and tired. So, make it a rest day, even if your program tells you otherwise.
Don’t punish and stress yourself because you need a break. Reward your body with a well-deserved rest day.
This way, it recovers and gets ready for tomorrow's challenges to thrive.
The rational answer to how many rest days you should have in a week is at least two (as long as you're not a professional athlete).
The amount of rest days depends on your workout type, routine, everyday life, and so many more.
The best way to determine this is to consult with a PT. This way you’ll have the proper answer for your personal goals, needs, and routine.
Rest days impact your mental health.
Your fitness journey is not only connected with your physical body. It has an outrageous impact on your mind. And it’s up to you what the effect will be.
Physical activity usually gives your mind a break. It helps you focus on something different than your day-to-day life.
Workouts might become like meditation or therapy. And that’s why so many people make it an inseparable part of their life.
However, like everything else, you have to find the balance.
If you continue to push yourself every day without any break, your body won’t be the only one overwhelmed.
Your mind will be stressed and exhausted from all this physical activity. You might have a hard time getting to sleep.
Let yourself realize that you deserve a break. As long as you work for something, results will show up. Be patient, enjoy the process.
The importance of rest days for your fitness progress
Rest days can have such a huge positive impact on your physical and mental health.
When you have a rest day:
You reduce the chances of body injuries.
You let your body recover from all the physical activity.
You speed up your progress.
You have more power to perform better at your next workout.
You have more energy. Therefore, your overall performance is better when exercising.
When your performance is better, you have more motivation to keep going.
You get better sleep because your mind isn't overwhelmed.
You have time to take care not only of your body but of your mind. Therefore you’ll reduce your stress levels.
Rest days will motivate you and let you plan your next day/week's exercises.
They will give you time to reflect on your fitness progress. Maybe even change your goals to better ones that are more suitable for you.
A little break helps your body restart, and be ready for improved, powerful performance. You will have time to relax, reflect on your progress, and prepare for your next step.
Taking regular rest days can improve not only your physical performance but, also, your mental health.
Here are just a few things that can motivate you regularly to take a break:
Rest days are for fun. Go out with friends, visit family, go to the movies. Do everything you love without being guilty of taking the rest you deserve.
Read a book. Watch Netflix and chill.
Find a new hobby. Draw, paint, sew. Whatever your heart desires, or makes you happy, and eliminates stress.
Start a course on a topic you love. You can always learn something new.
Implement meditation in your day/ week. It will get your stress levels down to the bottom.
Make rest days an inseparable part of your fitness routine.
They will help your body and mind relax and take a well-deserved break. Rest days will enhance your progress, helping you reach new peaks throughout your fitness journey.
I hope this article was helpful, and you’ll get the break you deserve. If you’re having trouble beginning your fitness journey, the kick-start workout plan is a good read for you.
Also, let me know about your fitness struggles down in the comments or fill out my survey. Once I know what’s bothering you, I will put an end to it.
If you found the article helpful, share it with your friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you can start thriving while smiling.
