Having rest days between strength training and or cardio workouts allows the body to replenish energy stores and repair damaged tissues. Giving your body a couple days of active rest and active recovery a week will help you recover and come back stronger for the days to come.
Active rest and active recovery is not the same as skipping a workout. Successful athletes and fitness enthusiasts on every level build this crucial component into their training programs. While you already know that you have to progressively challenge your body with activity if you want to build your fitness, the actual physiological gains occur during rest and recovery!
Use active rest and active recovery along with proper exercise variety, and you will take your workout efforts to new heights and produce greater results than you will if you only concentrate on work. If you attempt maximum effort workouts every day, you risk overtraining. This can lead to staleness, exhaustion and injury. Rest and recovery, built into your workout program, will keep your workouts productive and your body healthy.
Examples of things you can for active rest and active recovery:
Perform active recovery exercises like stretching, walking or yoga. These activities increase flexibility in normally tight muscles. Stretching can leave you feeling more relaxed and limber for upcoming workout sessions.
Participate in activities that you enjoy. Playing sports that you are interested in or doing activities like swimming or hiking breaks the rut from consistent training. These enjoyable activities refreshes you mentally so you can return to your training with enthusiasm.
Schedule a massage on your off day. A professional massage relieves tight spots in your muscles and assists the elimination of toxins stored in muscles. Other benefits from a massage include general relaxation and improved blood circulation. Use a massage therapist who holds a license in your state.
Plan activities with your friends or family. Spending time that you normally devote to training with loved ones helps recharge your mental energy. Participate in activities that you enjoy like shopping, games, etc.
References:
Read more @ LiveStrong.com - How to take a rest day from exercise:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/500792-how-to-take-a-rest-day-from-exercise/#ixzz1oe5TOhC4
Active rest and active recovery is not the same as skipping a workout. Successful athletes and fitness enthusiasts on every level build this crucial component into their training programs. While you already know that you have to progressively challenge your body with activity if you want to build your fitness, the actual physiological gains occur during rest and recovery!
Use active rest and active recovery along with proper exercise variety, and you will take your workout efforts to new heights and produce greater results than you will if you only concentrate on work. If you attempt maximum effort workouts every day, you risk overtraining. This can lead to staleness, exhaustion and injury. Rest and recovery, built into your workout program, will keep your workouts productive and your body healthy.
Examples of things you can for active rest and active recovery:
Perform active recovery exercises like stretching, walking or yoga. These activities increase flexibility in normally tight muscles. Stretching can leave you feeling more relaxed and limber for upcoming workout sessions.
Participate in activities that you enjoy. Playing sports that you are interested in or doing activities like swimming or hiking breaks the rut from consistent training. These enjoyable activities refreshes you mentally so you can return to your training with enthusiasm.
Schedule a massage on your off day. A professional massage relieves tight spots in your muscles and assists the elimination of toxins stored in muscles. Other benefits from a massage include general relaxation and improved blood circulation. Use a massage therapist who holds a license in your state.
Plan activities with your friends or family. Spending time that you normally devote to training with loved ones helps recharge your mental energy. Participate in activities that you enjoy like shopping, games, etc.
References:
Read more @ LiveStrong.com - How to take a rest day from exercise:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/500792-how-to-take-a-rest-day-from-exercise/#ixzz1oe5TOhC4
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