Days Off/Rest Question,,,,

[morgs]

Hi Everyone,

Well, as much as I THOUGHT I knew about fitness, there is one question that I do have. I looked back at when I first started my Cathe work outs and it's been a year and one month. Since then, I have never had more than two days off between work outs ( per week), and have never taken a full week off. I recently went through a small medical procedure last Wednesday. I was told by the Doc that I should wait a week before doing any heavy or vigorous excersize. It's now Tuesday ( almost a week after ) and I'm going nuts ! I was told by a gal who's a professional trainer that people who are in a more high intensity weight/cardio program take a full week off every four months. Is it true that taking a week off helps you with your goals? I.E. giving your body a 'rest' and giving yourself recovery time, or was she trying to make me feel better for not being able to do anything. I have also heard of doing an 'active rest' type week off where you just do a mixture of pilates, yoga, walking , core ,and stretching.
I have to be honest: Last night I snuck in segments 4-7 of Lo-Max and do agree that it may have been pushing it. ( I'm used to doing the entire DVD )
I am really DYING, to get back into my Cathe routine ! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Morgs

 

[hriacobacci]

You know, I don't know that I could ever willingly take a full week off. Even when I go on vacation I still run/walk and even take bands with me. I do think that it's important to listen to your body though and take a break (like a day or two) when you need it (of course that's the pot calling the kettle black). I think active recovery works best for me just because I mentally cannot get over the idea of doing nothing at all.

Heather

 

[JoanC]

Just based on STS, Cathe has us take an active recovery week after each 4 week cycle.

 

[Fitnessfreakk366]

It's good to take a week off every 8-12 weeks. Your body needs the rest and your muscles need to recover.

Once you get use to this it becomes something to look forward to, believe me. I use to workout 6-7 days a week with hardly no breaks. My body never had time to recover which meant it never had time to gain muscle.

Don't be afraid to take a week off, it will not do you damage. In fact, most times you'll come back stronger.

 

[morgs]

Ok,,,just needed some reassurance there. I totally understand what the previous poster said. It's funny because four years ago we spent a week in Mexico and believe it or not, I'd walk to the resort next door and use thier work out facility because even in Mexico I could not bring myself to do nothing for a whole week. Also, Thanks Fitness Freak for the rest assured. I knew taking a break was good but didn't know how long and how often. I think I'll stick with the active rest from now on when I DO take weeks off. I have yet to get the STS program, BUT it is definately on my 'list to buy' and can't wait. ( I have a LOT of catching up to do ! )
Thanks everyone for the advice. Every bit helps !

Morgs