Breaks from working out?

[kellib]

Just got back from a vacation and had a friend to visit so I haven't been able to workout for 5 days now and it's bothering me...anyone have any thoughts on taking days off and how beneficial or harmful it is for your fitness level? (I'm in pretty good shape - lift weights 2-3x and do cardio 2-3x plus some power yoga 1x 6 days per week) I hope i'm just being very paranoid!! I feel guilty! I start back tomorrow morning...just too exhausted today...
Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Lizzie]

Hiya Kellib,

I know exactly what you mean about that guilty feeling, that's natural. Don't worry - 5 days, a week, I don't believe that will hurt your fitness level at all. Even if we're not overworking ourselves our bodies still enjoy some time off - it can even be beneficial. You might be tired the first 1 or 2 times you go back but you'll get right back on the wagon before you know it. I just got back to working out after 5 days off myself and tried to do Power Hour... nooo way for me. I normally do the whole thing but it just wasn't happening... I got the shoulders and stopped. Today I will do some CTX shorter cardio... this weekend I'll plunge into IMAX and forget the horrors of not exercising!

NO GUILT! I know, I know, easier said than done.

 

[DebbieH]

Hey Kelli!

Breaks do a body and mind GOOD! You'll probably see once you start back tomorrow that the workouts seem fresher. They may also seem a bit harder, but that is a good thing too! :7 I think a one week break ever year is a good idea. Go ahead and shock that metabolism and your muscles tomorrow. They will thank you in the long run! Let us now how it goes.

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[LHK]

kellib,
Over the past 9 months of working out I have taken two or three separate weeks off (maybe ~4 days or so, because life got crazy), and, although I wouldn't want to do it TOO much, I find the breaks are very rejuvenating!! I recently had to take a break when my work schedule had me out until very late all week, and when I got back into it I popped in Interval Max and did the whole thing on a 10 inch step, and did NO modifications! (I usually poop out on the power scissors) And sometimes after a few days off I will even do a few workouts back to back, and find my endurance is just great! (nothing Too crazy, I have paired Cardio Kicks with Firm Vol 1, or a 5 mile run with Step Max). I have also found that when I get off my workout routine, my muscles do a bit of deflating and I feel and look slimmer!
My point is:
Breaks, taken in moderation, have boosted my endurance and have had no negative consequences. Plus, it makes us more excited to get back to Cathe!
Lisa

 

[kellib]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I started back after a total of 6 days off with Rhythmic Step. It was rougher than I thought'd it be but I think partly because I was still catching up on my sleep. I did MIS this morning and it kicked my rear - but then again doesn't it always?!!!
back on track - yay! (still a little sluggish though..)

 

[starlight6]

My understanding is that occasional breaks are actually beneficial. Athletes do it because they come back stronger after giving their muscles a chance to REALLY recover & rest.
You'll probably find that you're stronger than ever!
Ruth

 

[RhiannonW]

WOW! You're an inspiration. 2 workouts back to back??!?!?!?!? I wish I had those days back. Now I'm a 36 year old mother of 2(3 and 1 1/2 years). I still can't rid the guilt I feel if I miss/take a break for just 1 day.