The phrase “no days off” is one that many people live by and apply to every aspect of their life. As conducive as this mentality may be to ensuring that you seize every opportunity, it can be counterproductive when geared toward fitness efforts. Those serious about their health are well aware of the importance of regular training. One must commit to a specified regimen to attain desired results. When paired with healthy eating habits, one can expect to accomplish fitness goals with ease, but the vitality of scheduled rest days should not be overlooked. Digest these four reasons why a rest day is necessary.
Have you ever been working out and realized that your energy level just wasn’t where it needed to be? You hydrated and fueled your body as needed and even got a full night’s rest, so what can be the problem? Well, when was the last time you took a day off? Back-to-back training with no breaks can burn you out and leave you unable to complete exercises you usually get through with ease. By merely designating a day to rest you can prevent burnout.
The health of your muscles is most important. You continuously train to maintain their strength and endurance, but you must also give them a chance to recover. Muscle fibers tear during high-activity training sessions. Muscles get stronger when they are allowed to rebuild. Rest days benefit your training efforts as they provide your body with the time needed to repair tissues, allowing you to train even harder the next time around.
James’ life purpose is coaching others to be the best version of themselves. His love for fitness started as a teenager through martial arts. James has completed 32 Spartan Races, and holds certifications in Strength and Conditioning, Youth Fitness Trainer, Fitness Nutrition, and Fitness Trainer through International Sports and Sciences Association.
Samantha Logoluso started her life of fitness at a very young age excelling in swimming through her college years and now enjoys competitive running with her mother along with challenging workouts. Samantha has her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and has been the owner of The Growing Patch Private Preschool for five years. Samantha has been married to her amazing husband for 11 years and together they have two wonderful boys (ages 9 and 7).
Cassidy lives and breathes the Hybrid Training lifestyle! As is Head Coach and Program Director, her passion is creating exciting and effective workouts and putting them into a well-rounded program for all levels to get (and stay) in the best shape of their lives. Cassidy is a member of the Spartan Race Pro Team and is the Champion of CMT’s Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge. Cassidy practices what she preaches…when she is not coaching, you can find her taking a class and setting a brutal pace!
Alexander Nicholas is the owner and founder of EPIC Hybrid Training. He is a fitness entrepreneur always looking for the next EPIC challenge.