Is “rest” a four letter word for you? Despite what many of us fitness enthusiasts have heard and know to be true, we can have a hard time taking rest days. Why are rest days important? What can you do on those days to survive?
The importance of rest days
Rest days are crucial for runners, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts alike. They enhance performance, prevent injuries, and promote overall wellbeing. While consistency in training is vital, the importance of allowing the body time to recover is crucial.
Muscle repair
Rest enables muscle repair and growth. Running and lifting weights cause micro tears in muscle fibers, and it is during the state of rest that these fibers heal and strengthen. The recovery period is also essential for building endurance and preventing muscle fatigue. Without adequate rest, athletes run the risk of over use injuries.
Replenish
Rest helps to replenish energy stores. Running and other intense exercise deplete glycogen levels in muscles, and taking a break allows them to be restored. This also helps to avoid burnout.
mental and psychological benefits
Running and training for races is mentally and emotionally taxing. Taking days off helps to reduce stress and prevent the mental fatigue part of training. This in turn, helps to keep motivation high.
What to do on rest days?
If you need to have some sort of plan on your days off, here are a few ideas on how to keep busy.
-Mobility
-Gentle yoga
-Stretching
-Meal Planning and meal prep for the week ahead
-Reading (about running and exercise)
Incorporating rest days into your training plan is not a sign of weakness! Rest is part of a strategic approach to becoming stronger and allowing the body and mind to recover and stay motivated.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Very true! My rest day is Sunday and I love it!
Also, Thursday is an easier day where I only do an easy run or bike ride. I also love going to bed early (when I can).
Rest is so under rated!
I’ve really come to appreciate rest days. They are so important both mentally and physically!
I agree! It took me a long time to learn all the benefits and how to maximize them
The older I’ve gotten the more I appreciate my rest days! This week I managed to get a massage and a pedicure. I feel ready to go now! Except for the heat of course.
this is definitely true! I have come to realize how helpful they are
I love rest days in theory, but in practice they can make me feel really “blah.” Keeping busy is definitely the key- if i make my rest day on a Sunday and think I’m just going to have a “lazy” day, I end up going berserk.
Some days I get a little antsy but I know I need them
While I seldom ever take full-on rest days, I do have a couple low-key “active recovery” days each week. I’m all about embracing the easier days to balance with the more intense days. It’s what my body knows 😉
It sure helps to know your body and what you need
Even on rest days, I still like to walk. It just helps keep my ankle mobile and I need that so badly.
But yes, rest is so essential, no matter how much we hate it.
rest is definitely a necessity for me. I do often walk on rest days just not as intensely