How many days before a break?

[MRSchultz]

I am throwing together a rotation for the rest of this month. I need to keep myself busy so I don't eat so darn much of the goodies around, soooooooo - how many days should I go before taking a day off? I know it's important to take breaks, but I'm not sure what is a good rule to go by? Ideas???

Thanks,
Marcia.

 

[Fit_mommy]

I personally try to work out 6 days in a row and then rest on the 7th. It truly is a personal thing though. Some go 5, some go 7 and longer. Some don't take a break until they feel they truly need one and not just because they have worked out for so many days in a row. It's really something you need to figure out for yourself. What can YOUR body handle?

HTH!

 

[2121]

I just started a 3 day on one day off, 4 day on one day off split to help me get through slow and heavy without feeling wiped out. So far, I really like it. I have done 6 days on, one off for almost 2 years, so the change is nice. Melissa

 

[winsomehill]

I have done a lot of different things over the years. When I was training to run for a marathon, I would have one long run a week and then take two days off in a row. If I know I have a vacation coming up and am likely to have my exercise routine disrupted, I'll workout for two weeks straight with no break. I try to work around things and vary my routine. Right now I'm doing the 6 days on 1 day off thing. I vary cardio with strength training.
Melissa- I'm curious, are you doing strictly strength training?
Heather

 

[pink_fortitude]

At least one rest day per week is recommended and best IMO and should be used as a rule of thumb. Some people need two or three days/week to rest. I need at least one or two days, depending on the rotations. If I have a more intense rotation then I will need at least two days off a week, but if it is less intense then I can just take one day off. The important thing is to just listen to your body. If it tells you that you need a rest, obviously take one, but if you feel fine doing only one rest a week, then that is awesome!

Missy

 

[2121]

Heather,

I am alternating with cardio. I am varying the length of the cardio. last week I did 40 min. run, S & H Chest and Back, Stepblast, day off, S& H Legs & Shoulders, CTX Step and Intervals, S & H Tri and Bi, MIC Hi Impact only, day off. I was totally wiped out after my first three days. I had DOMS all over. Now, on my day off after day 4, I feel really good. Hope this makes sense. Melissa