Rest days REALLY necessary?

B

beospenser

New Member
Cathe:

Do you think that rest days are realy necessary when using weights? I tend to do 6 straight days of Firm tapes mixed with your strength videos and so every day I am using weights. What I do, though, is one day use heavy weights and the next day use very light weights. Can I still get results this way? I seem to be!
 
Yes

Hi, I'm not Cathe, but I definately think you need rest day(s), especially when doing strength training. In EVERY magazine article I've ever read, they always say how important it is to rest. Even the bodybuilders say this and their job is to look good and strong. Your muscles need to rest in order to build up, and this means they need 100% time off from lifting, not just lifting light weights.

I'm sure others can explain the specific reasons why you need to rest- I don't want to give out any false info.
 
RE: Yes

I'm with you. I think it's something like you rip the fibers and they heal.. But yes definetely you need rest days for strength training to get best results.
 
RE: Yes

Not Cathe but...

Rest is sooo necesarry. I used to hate to even take a day off in the unfounded fear that I would lose some level of fitness. I have cut down from 6 days to 5 (sometimes 4 in a busy week)workouts. 3 cardio, one weight, one combo. And about every 3rd week, I take 3 days off in a row! Wow, that is an accomplishment for me. I can actually live with myself when I take a day off now. I have been able to complete the workouts with good form and energy when I am rested. I can really use good form with weight workouts and really feel my muscles work and concentrate. The best thing for me and my fitness has been to get appropriate rest. My muscles and weight are also easier to manage. Now, it may be because I am a bit older...36 soon and my body can still kick it but not like before. Just my two cents. So, I say, rest! (Cathe is the same age as me or close I think but she is just Cathe; I cannot compare myself with her and her workout schedules.) Good Luck!
 
Rest is very important - especially if you don't want to have an overuse injury. If you don't like to take rests, why don't you try a pilates tape or stretch tape inbetween weight days? You won't be using weights but you will still be working out.
 
RE: thanks !

I was feeling guilty for missing one day of my endurance rotation last week, and now I feel better about it. Two days off in a row won't kill me. (But maybe the extra pizza from the weekend wasn't such a good idea!LOL)


Take time to enjoy those who matter most to you & do all things in moderation :)
 
Rest is key for lifting - I think I heard once that with lifting you tear the muscle fibers and then the healing is how they grow back... not sure if it's true but i know one of my guys friends who was really into lifting use to always say how rest is part of the program. Not sure if this is as critical with lighter weights.

Anyhow I took last week off lifting and just got back from the gym (upper body) I feel so much better. I'm ready to do 20lbs bicep curls (I did 3 sets of 15 curls and felt I could do more) 20 lbs (military press - did 3 sets of 15 and felt I could do more) Chest ready to do all 3 sets with 20 (before I did one 15).
Lat row (25 feelts good). When I up my weights I tend to do first 1 set at the higher and when I can do all 3 then up it again.

So YES for muscle gain with heavier weights Rest is key (at least works for me!)
 
You need to give your body a chance to repair and rebuild the muscles but as long as your are resting SOMETHING, you can workout. Just split your workouts into pieces, working one part while letting another rest. Mix the intensities. Work with high intensity one day, low the next. I personally love a day with no exercise planned at all but I know many people who do it 7 days a week by using an easy/hard plan. Listen to your body. If you feel tired, take a day off.

Bobbi http://www.plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif Chick's Rule!
 
I quit doing the Firm Cardio's for this very reason. I would lift real heavy one day and then the next I would pop in a Firm tape, such as Firm Cardio, and couldn't understand why they had you using those dumb weights at all. I understand that the weights increase the calorie burn, but your muscles need recovery. The Firm should know that. Its like they have been in a cave for 10 years!! With Cathe, you have your weight tapes and then you can do a pure cardio tape that uses no weights but gets your heart rate just as high, if not higher!! That way, you have the best of both worlds. You don't cut back on your cardio, still burn maximum calories, but are effectively building muscle!! So, I do the Firm total body strength, as well as SL and UB, but other than that, I have switched to Cathe..Janice
 
The growth and strength gains you are trying to get by lifting only occur during your rest days. They are very important.
trevor
 
Hey, Trevor!

Where's your HAPPY FACE? :) Just a quickie to say thanks soo much for the updated pix of the kids. (Can't believe how big both boys are!) Too cute. I haven't been able to get on the computer much lately but wanted to let you know I appreciate you sharing them with me! To keep this post on topic, YES~Rest days ARE neccesary!;-)

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
RE: Hey, Trevor!

Hey Deb!
I posted from work and that place sometimes leaves me smile-less!!
But you know I ALWAYS have a smile stored up for you girl!!!!
trevor :)

and a jumpy! ----- :-jumpy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top