Question about Rest weeks

[dschwab]

Just curious, when any of you are on your rotations, do you take a break before going into another lets say like a 12 week rotation. I heard you are supposed to take a week off in order to get better results. Sometimes the body needs a break from exercise. Does anyone have an input on this? I will be coming off of a 12 week rotation and was just wondering if I need to take a week off before starting my next rotation. I appreciate any input on this. Thanks.

Denise

 

[balletgrrl]

I would say that you need to check in with your body in order to see if you need to rest. Do you feel tired or worn out? Does a week of resting, stretching and yoga sound nice? Or are you revved up and ready to go into the next rotation?

If you still have plenty of energy and don't feel burnt out, I would say there is no reason to put a week of rest between rotations. You should still see good results without this rest week because your body is not telling you to stop and recover.

On the other hand, if you do feel like you need it, certainly take this time and give your body the rest that it needs. I have taken a few days off before when I felt I needed it, and when I did come back to my workouts, I felt stronger than ever. Hope this helps!

Alison

 

[dschwab]

Thanks Alison for your response. You made alot of sense.
I actually feel really good and want to continue into my next rotation. I just wanted to see what everyone else did and wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing.
Thanks again.

Denise

 

[Venus]

I think it is good to at least take an active recovery week off now and then, especially if you workout long and hard. I workout 2-3 hours 5-6 days per week. I find I need an "easy" week every 2 months or so...but...either illness (like the flu I just had) or a vacation usually does that for me. I can't recall a time when I was so tired I had to take an entire week off by choice. Usually 2-3 days is enough for me. Listen to your body and if you need it you will know.

 

[dschwab]

Thank you Venus for your input. 2-3 hours a day! Wow! How do you find the time? I wish I had time to do that much. I do get in an hour though. Sometimes an hour and 1/2. I usually have to break it up into 3 half hour sessions though due to time. It has been working for me though.
You have come a long way! What a transformation! Good for you. You should be so proud of yourself! I can't wait to see more pictures of you.

Denise

http://www.picturetrail.com/gid3930871

 

[Venus]

I break it up. Example, Monday's I swim 1 hour in the wee hours of the morning, then after work I do 1 hour of LB weights. Then Tuesday I swim 1 hour early again, yoga class at lunch, then 1 hour UB weight work after work. And so on. And I do take 1-2 rest days per week. I could spread it out more but then it would be harder to take rest days which I feel I really need. I don't have 2-3 consecutive hours nor do I think my body could handle 2-3 hours in a row of intense work and keep good form.

Also, I don't have a 2 year old to chase around like you do. You probably get a lot more exercise than you think! Thank you for the compliments and you look great as well!!