How Many Rest Days?

[upperwests]

This is for Cathe and for anyone else who'd like to respond. I consider myself to be an intermediate/advanced exerciser.....meaning that I like to workout 6 days a week and do advanced Cathe workouts (I guess that's practically all of hers), but I'm NOT a runner, nor do I use very heavy weights and usually use about 5 pounds less than Cathe except for back exercises, then I use the same. Is it okay to work out for 6 days in a row then rest on the 7th.....or should I be resting after 3 or 4 or 5? My week always consists of a combo of weight training and cardio. I'd love to know how many days in a row YOU work out before you take a rest day.

 

[Aquajock]

I think the question of how many rest days is right for you is dependent on how intense each of your workouts is, and the duration of each of the workout bouts. Also, you want to pay attention to how YOU are feeling over time.

If you are going hammer and tongs every workout session, AND if all of your sessions are all high intensity and longer than, say, 75 minutes, then a 5 workout per week schedule might be something to incorporate. You may want to consider mixing things up: one week do a 6-session schedule, the next week do a 5-session schedule, the next week a 4-session ultra-intense schedule, and then back to the beginning. Doing a change-up like that might bring in a good "body-shock" with some pleasant gains in strength and cardiovascular health.

Also, ask yourself: how is my sleep quality? It is good? Do I look forward to all of my workout sessions, and can I do them at peak performance? Is my appetite healthy, and commensurate with the amount of work that I am doing? If your sleep quality is getting poor, if you are starting to dread your workouts and feel like you're on a treadmill that you can't get off, if your performance is starting to suffer, and if your appetite is starting to deaden, then it might be time to step back and add in that second rest day.

Also, ask yourself if you are getting a good balance of cardio vs. strength. Are you mixing up intensity levels (having at least one interval session workout per week is a very good idea). And - consider starting to lift heavier on an every-other-week basis. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the benefits of that.

JMHO -

A-Jock

 

[[email protected]]

Hello!

If I could, I would work out all 7 days! I am addicted to Cathe and her step workouts. My knees have recently started to crack (but have no pain) and I emailed Cathe. She says taking rests are always good, that way your body does not become burnt out from doing the same thing every day. I have since started doing step only 3 days a week, and 2 other days I do weights (and always do abs!!!). My body has seemed to really enjoy those 2 rest days!

Good luck to all!

 

[jazz]

Not cathe (obviously), but I'd like to add that you should listen to your body. If you are feeling a little washed out one day, or you seem to be experiencing a little extra muscle soreness and you have been working out regularly, take a rest day or two.

I have also found that after a really tough, advanced rotation, if I take a rest week or do some easier, intermediate/beginner workouts,my body is actually stronger.