Break from excercising

italiandivastar · 11-07-2009, 07:44 AM

Hey everyone, I have a question about taking time off from the gym. Is it really important to take at least two days a week off? because sometimes i hear do at least 30 minutes of cardio a day and then sometimes i hear that you need to give your body a break or else you wont lose weight. I only life weights 4 times a week all the rest is cardio an d i do try to take least a day off.

kimm4 · 11-07-2009, 11:07 AM

Yes, rest days (doing nothing) are crucial.

Muscle growth happens outside the gym while the body is at rest.

TheDiz · 11-07-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimm4

Yes, rest days (doing nothing) are crucial.

I workout 6-7 days a week, 5 days weights and 1-2 days of light cardio (eliptical, walking on the treadmill, or riding the bike). Should I cut out a day if my overall goal is weightloss?

I take a weeklong break about every 2-3 months.

kimm4 · 11-07-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDiz

I workout 6-7 days a week, 5 days weights and 1-2 days of light cardio (eliptical, walking on the treadmill, or riding the bike). Should I cut out a day if my overall goal is weightloss?

I take a weeklong break about every 2-3 months.

I would take at least 1 day where you do nothing. Weight/fat loss is all about the diet.

chelly88 · 11-07-2009, 06:24 PM

Active rest is fine... where you do light activity throughout the day. Growth happens during rest, yes, but your body also functions better overall with a little bit of activity. A day off shouldn't mean a day on the couch unless that's really what's needed... also depends what your goals are. If you workout for a specific look it might not matter to you if you have a complete day off from activity. If your overall goal is health and improvement of health some light activity is good

That's why exercise is recommended every day but that doesn't mean a sweat session. Do something you enjoy, that's not like a "workout" but more like an active, enjoyable activity for you.

I don't believe there's any one right or wrong answer to this question. It all depends on the individual person, what works best for them and their body and their overall goals. Sometimes I like to take a day to literally sit and just relax and not worry about anything... I go back into it the following day with renewed energy and motivation

kimm4 · 11-07-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chelly88

Active rest is fine... where you do light activity throughout the day. Growth happens during rest, yes, but your body also functions better overall with a little bit of activity. A day off shouldn't mean a day on the couch unless that's really what's needed... also depends what your goals are. If you workout for a specific look it might not matter to you if you have a complete day off from activity. If your overall goal is health and improvement of health some light activity is good

That's why exercise is recommended every day but that doesn't mean a sweat session. Do something you enjoy, that's not like a "workout" but more like an active, enjoyable activity for you.

I don't believe there's any one right or wrong answer to this question. It all depends on the individual person, what works best for them and their body and their overall goals. Sometimes I like to take a day to literally sit and just relax and not worry about anything... I go back into it the following day with renewed energy and motivation

The question was about taking a full rest day off from the gym. Which goes back to my answer of yes. There is no need to be working out 6-7 days a week. If your a person that does this, come back to me in 10, 20 years and tell me how those joints are feeling and how you have to constantly work around your ongoing injuries.

Yup, that's what happens...

chelly88 · 11-07-2009, 06:55 PM

Oh wow...I'm training for a figure comp and yes I'm doing 6 days a wk right now. Different workouts for different purposes as I said. I wasn't here saying anyone was wrong, absolutely not my place to say so... active rest days are absolutely fine. There's no harm in taking a walk or doing something you enjoy on a rest day, this doesn't mean sweat session, like i just said. no need to stay glued to the couch.

Again, depending on your goals you will have different rest days. If you're just in it to achieve a specific look for your body then cardio and active rest probably won't make such a big difference to you. If you're in it for lifestyle, health and vitality then absolutely take a walk if you so desire...

TheDiz · 11-07-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chelly88

active rest days are absolutely fine. There's no harm in taking a walk or doing something you enjoy on a rest day, this doesn't mean sweat session, like i just said. no need to stay glued to the couch.

I could never do a "glued to the couch day" I have too many ants in my pants

Besides, most of the time my "rest" day, consists of babysitting a 2 year old boy from 5 AM to 7 PM :O

Mostly if I do work out that day it's just a stroll through the neighborhood or park, or maybe rollerblading for a bit. Nothing extremely strenuous, just enough to make sure I don't lose focus.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimm4

Yes, rest days (doing nothing) are crucial.

I just wanted to make sure I didn't mis-understand this. Thanks for clarifying guys.