ActiveWorkouts6 reasons why rest days are essential for workout progressionFrequent workouts are great for physical and mental health, but they can also be detrimental to health if you overdo themWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveWorkouts6 reasons why rest days are essential for workout progressionFrequent workouts are great for physical and mental health, but they can also be detrimental to health if you overdo themWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Frequent workouts are great for physical and mental health, but they can also be detrimental to health if you overdo them
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Whether it’s regular gym workouts or training for a marathon, all fitness levels can benefit from a well-planned rest program and at least one day off from the training schedule each week. But what benefits can rest days offer?
We asked the fitness experts atLQ | Collagento share their best advice about rest days and a few tips on making the most of them; after all, you don’t have to sit around all day when you’re having a rest day. Active recovery can and should include stretching, low-intensity work and even full-on workouts that target different areas than the one you are giving a rest.
Usingmassage gunsandfoam rollers are two of the most popular equipment used for active recovery. However, runners and cyclists should also consider othermassage toolssuch as theTherabody RecoveryAir JetBoots.
Here are six ways rest days are equally as important as workout days from a health point of view.
1. Encourages muscle recovery and improves strength
Any form of exercise has the ability to create microscopic tears in muscle fibres. To counteract this, thebody rebuilds the muscles stronger. However, this process doesn’t happen during workouts, only when you rest and especially when you sleep (more on this below).
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2. Prevents injury
As mentioned above, it is essential to remember that rest is integral to injury prevention. Not resting adequately can lead to minor injuries becoming major ones, and overdoing workouts can lead to muscles and joints suffering from overuse. Stretching and different recovery methods can help alleviate some of the symptoms, but no technology can replace rest (yet).
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3. Improves performance
Adequate rest allows the body to conserve and restore energy levels. Enhanced energy levels contribute to greater quality in each training session, helping to aid performance levels.
(Image credit: Polar Elektro)
(Image credit: Polar Elektro)
4. Maintains focus
Although the mental health benefits of exercise arewell documentedand accepted, taking a planned day or two out can assist with mental clarity. The break from training helps your brain relax and encourages focus and energy.
5. Aid a good night’s sleep
When you exercise, especially when you run, it can confuse the body, especially if there isn’t any apparent danger you’re running from. This can elevate levels of the stress hormone cortisol, making you feel irritable and restless. Ensuring that you rest will help stabilise both heart rate and alertness and help you sleep soundly.
6. Allows the immune system to work effectively
When our bodies experience intense activity and training, our immune systems work on overdrive to repair muscles and joints. Without proper rest periods, the immune system is unable to repair correctly, resulting in both inflammation and injury.
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