Recovery weeks

[elsie3]

I've been really working hard (probably too hard) for the past few months. I'm thinking that I'd better take a recovery week, but I'm afraid to. Please help.

What do you guys do on recovery weeks, and how often do you take them?

I was thinking of taking a yoga recovery week, where I just do yoga every day (currently I do Cathe and yoga 6days/week). I remember Soosan posted that she did a 4-week yoga rotation while on vacation, and actually lost weight.

I know I'm not alone--we're all good at pushing ourselves. Isn't it ironic that it's harder to let go and relax?

Thanks for your input--I really appreciate you all!

Carol F

 

[CathydsRNA]

You might want to do a search on this topic. This exact topic was posted and responded too within the past week and a half on this forum and Cathe's forum.

 

[feelin_good]

I don't know as much as most people do here. However, we recently moved from one house to another and with all the work and everything out of order it took some time to get back into my workout schedule.

With that said, I think the 1 1/2 - 2 weeks that I took off did my body GOOD! I felt like my body gained. Maybe most don't just quit everything....I don't know, but I did and I felt great having done that.

I was feeling guilty about not exercising during that time, but I think everybody needs a break now and then.

Let's hear what some others have to say about this!

 

[Fitnessguruabc]

Ditto what Cathy said. Many have posted their thoughts on this subject within about the past 7-10 days. You can find their thoughts by doing a search.

 

[kathryn]

P90X taught me the value and effectiveness of recovery weeks. In their rotations, you work hard for 3 weeks, then take a week where you do stretching, moderate cardio, and core work.

I'm doing a Hardcore version of a P90X rotation now, and am on my recovery week. So far, I've done a moderate cardio (Gin Miller's "Simply Step") followed by some prehab/rehab exercises for shoulders and knees (JB Berns' Freedom Restoration workouts); a functional fitness workout using light weights (David Kirsch's Ultimate New York Body Plan); and a stretch workout (Slim Series "Cool it Off") followed by shoulder/knee pre/rehab. I'll repeat this cycle once more, then begin another more intense 3 weeks.

For recovery, I use workouts like Core Secrets and yoga. The functional fitness workouts help condition the supporting muscles, and, IMO, make me better able to work out more intensely without injury.

 

[hippahips]

This week has been all recovery for me. Yoga every day. I've been using the Flow series, not too tough like P90X yoga, but with enough movement to make me feel like I'm doing SOMETHING.

This is the very first time that I can actually claim some enjoyment in resting because of all the yoga. I think my body has been needing it, too. I also think that there have been many discussions about rest and recovery lately because Hardcore is very tough.

I just got my Rodney Yee Power Yoga but haven't tried it yet. I also got a Baron Baptiste yoga DVD that was included in the Trainer's Edge series. I'd love to incorporate these in a Hardcore/S&H rotation starting next month. I have a feeling I'll need them and will greatly benefit from them.

Do you garden? This is the best time of year to take a break and still move your body by toughing it out in the yard.

Have you also tried Pilates? That might be something you'd also like to use during a rest week.

Pinky