What is it that is so hard about a Rest Day? We know we are supposed to take rest days and yet so many of us have such a difficult time actually taking a day off from exercising. By day off, I mean a real “day off” without any exercise. Full disclosure, I am guilty of just this very thing more weeks than not.
Rest Day Paradox
Logically, I know that rest days are important for recovery and to avoid injury and over training. Yet, for some reason, I have a very hard time accepting that I need them. It’s quite silly really. I know I am not some super freak of nature who does not need rest or someone who cannot get injured. In fact, just the opposite, I know I am prone to injury from over use. I am a very all or nothing person and it is easy for me to justify my intense workout schedule in my head. Turns out I am not alone in this illogical thinking.
Whenever I need info on all things real running, I go straight to my best sources of information. I go to my large pool of MRTT ladies for real answers from real runners. When I asked them how they felt about Rest Days, I was surprised by their answers. They too, overwhelming, seemed to find ways to justify forgoing a rest day.
Who Takes Rest Days?
These are some of the answers I got when I asked them if they take rest days:
” I just use my TRX and do core work”
“I know my body needs them but I feel guilty on my rest days and often end up going for a long walk”
“I don’t schedule rest days because I have a mix of higher and lower intensity workout days”
“Mostly I don’t take them but some of my strength training days are light”
“Often on a rest day I will do something light like a tennis clinic”
“Dog owners can’t take rest days”
“I feel guilty about taking rest days and get very antsy being idle. Sometimes I just go to yoga”
I did have 2 friends who do take rest days once a week and claim to enjoy them. We have all read the numerous articles and studies about the importance of rest days, yet it appears so many “regular” runners do not embrace them. What causes us to push ourselves without a break? Why do some of us feel guilty about resting when we know it’s beneficial?
[You might also like how to stay busy on rest days]
Would love to hear your thoughts on rest days. Love them? Hate them? Take them?
Hah! Busted. The only days I don’t do some sort of exercise are travel days.
Yes you sure are busted! Thanks for chiming in
Rest days are hard! Ironically I find myself hungrier on rest days than workout days.
Totally agree with the person who said dog owners don’t take rest days. Dogs need exercise everyday so a lot of my rest days end up me walking the pup or playing at the park with her.
I am less hungry on rest days but I probably eat the same amount out of habit.
I rest usually when I have something else to do or the day before a long run or race.
Yes it is hard to be idle.
It is really hard for me to be idle too. I get very antsy
I have no problem taking rest days. It helps that I have a couple long work days, so those are the days that I don’t work out. I’ve seen the phrase “active rest” on some people’s posts–it’s kind of an oxymoron and it really doesn’t make sense! Our bodies need time to recover. Nice post.
I agree that active rest is not really a thing. I applaud you for taking actual rest days. I am sure if I did as well, my body would appreciate it. Thanks for sharing
I actually look forward to my rest days, especially during marathon training. Since I’m not really training right now so I tend to do more of “active rest” days and that includes going for a walk or yoga.
I need to work harder so I look forward to rest days ha ha. I am not sure if yoga counts as resting. I love yoga but it is a challenge to hold poses and I do feel like I have worked out. Rest Days are complicated!
I do find that I’m active anyway on a rest day. I bike to work every day (so am I not resting?) or I walk at lunch, or I’m now taking the stairs instead of the elevator at my apartment. What is the actual definition of rest in the case of rest day? And is active recovery not ok?
I don’t know – i do find it tough. However, I do NOT feel guilty when I truly do nothing but netflix on a rest day!!
I think gently walking at lunch and taking the stairs daily is not a “workout” per se. I am glad to hear that you do not feel guilty for taking a Netflix day 🙂
I’m guilty of not taking very many total rest days, but I do believe in active recovery days (where I do some power walking or light strength training). Now that I’m playing with my elliptical, it’s easy to hop on for 20-30 minutes of cardio now and then. I guess since it’s not high-impact, I don’t think of it as “cheating” on a rest day LOL
well…not so sure about that 🙂
Love my rest days! Now mind, rest doesn’t mean complete rest: the dogs need to be walked & I’ll usually do some yoga. And some “rest” days are supremely unrestful while catching up with chores/errands.
But I definitely embrace it. I think runners tend to fall into two categories: those that need to be always on the go, and those that have to push themselves to be more active, and I fall into the latter.
I am pretty active, obviously, but would I be so active if I didn’t need to be to maintain my weight? I will also say that I can’t lounge around like my husband can — that would make me more tired — but occasionally I need a day to lounge!
I cannot lounge around the way my husband does on the weekends either. I guess I am more in the group that always needs to be on the go. I get antsy not doing something sweaty every day
I used to be hesitant to take rest days too but now I’ve found them super helpful. So important to listen to you body when it needs a break!
Well that sounds very smart!
I understand the antsiness aspect – Monday I’d have loved to stay in my apartment because it was uber cold – but I was going stir crazy
As someone who spent most of the last five years trying to get step goal daily, a true rest day is hard but I’ve come to the realization I need them. Oddly if it’s a work day, a “rest day” is still probably 7K steps due to my commute, meetings, etc. so urban life may be a bit like your dog walking friend.
A true rest day is hard for me as well but as you say, I am sure your body appreciates them
Rest days are SOO IMPORTANT. Loved this post
They are and I need to learn to embrace them more
I take at least one rest day a week. Some days I really enjoy them and some days I really hate them. Then during the winter, I take around 3 rest days a week. It helps my body recover and gets ready for the next training cycle. But the running days are always easier and better for me than the rest days.
Sounds like you have found a really part system that works for you.
I enjoy my rest days. If I work hard all week, I don’t feel guilty about taking a day off to be a bit “lazy.”
Good for you and great to hear! I am sure your body appreciates it
I’m not sure whether I’m older (and wiser) but I have no problem taking rest days. Sometimes I feel the urge to take a walk or do a strength workout, but I find much more benefit in letting my body really rest. (I actually took two rest days in a row after my 20 mile run last Saturday!).
You do sound pretty smart! I am sure it would help me with my performance if I did take more rest
Yes!!! Rest days are so hard. I usually feel guilty and “itchy” when I take them. The only problem is when I take too many of them. then I get into the habit of not working out and I have to get back into the habit again.
Interesting! I never thought of that
I love my rest days! Right now I run 5 times a week and those days that I don’t run feel glorious. 🙂
Thank you for linking up with us!
That’s great to hear! I also wish I could run 5 days a week but my body would not have that
I do take rest days, but I don’t schedule them and I don’t love them.
I guess for how busy and dedicated we all are, it’s hard to just let ourselves take a day or two to just be.
It sure is hard but I think it would be beneficial for all of us