Regarding fitness, one can easily believe that more is better. Rest, nevertheless, is equally important as your exercise schedule.
How then, should you truly be using rest days each week? Top trainers say that your goals, degree of fitness, and degree of pushing yourself will all determine it.
Why Rest Days Are Crucially Important
Trainer Jessica Palmer adds, “rest is when your muscles recover and grow.” “You’re more likely to get burnout and injury without enough rest, which can set you back.”
Rest days allow your muscles time to heal the little tears brought on by exercise. Muscle development and higher strength follow from this. Rest is also essential for avoiding overtraining, which could lead to tiredness and even lower your exercise performance.
You need what number of rest days?
Most folks find that 1-2 rest days each week are perfect. If you undertake strength training or high-intensity workouts, you might want closer to two to three rest days to give your muscles time to completely heal.
Trainer Ben Harris advises using the 80/20 rule: “You should be training 80% of the time and relaxing 20%. This seems to most people like working out five days a week and relaxing for two.”
Listening to your body is ultimately quite important. You are free to add one more rest day if you are especially tired or sore. “More isn’t always better,” Palmer notes. “Recognition is where the magic happens.”
