Rest week

[randidiane]

What do you guys do for your rest week after each meso cycle?

 

[Ruby2zDay]

I'm just finishing up my first phase (meso 1) of STS this week. Next week is an active recovery week. The plan thus far (this may change as I get into it):

Monday: 4 Day Split Low Intensity Step & High Intensity Step Premix & Core
Tuesday: 4 Day Split Bootcamp & Kickbox Premix
Wednesday: LITE Metabolic Blast & Calorie Crush & Core
Thursday: LITE Cardio Party
Friday: ICE Low Impact Sweat #1 and #2
Saturday: Imax 2 & Core
Sunday: Rest

 

[Hazlady]

During my rest weeks I focussed on stretching and cardio. I did two days of yoga workouts, 1 day of Pilates and 3 days of cardio such as kickboxing and step aerobics. I avoided lifting any moderate to heavy weights to give my forearms a rest.

 

[Jane Power-Grimm]

I agree with Hazlady - yoga and cardio as the go-to workouts. Depending on how I am feeling, I sometimes fit in hiit training in addition to steady state. I usually fit in a metabolic workout using light weights once during the week.

I try to get to some enjoyable outdoor pursuits during my 'fun week' - biking, running, hiking, swimming, tennis, cross-country skiing or just long walks. It is nice to mix it up and have some fun and fresh air!

 

[karategirl]

For my rest week, my main goal is to avoid any kind of strength training so my muscles can rest. I do stretching, yoga, pilates, walking on the treadmill, light elliptical training, or any of my cardio DVDs that are at the beginner or intermediate level.

 

[Kellyro77]

I'm late to the conversation, as I only just started STS for the first time last month. After completing Meso 1, my first rest week was last week and I chose to do some light yoga, go for casual walks or a casual bike ride, and that was the extent of activity. I took "rest/recovery" at its word, so opted not to do anything especially vigorous. I also treated myself to a Thai massage (they will assist you with some stretching), and also swung by the chiropractor for a "tune-up". I felt totally great and was ready to start up Meso 2 this week feeling completely restored.

Not sure I'll manage a massage and chiropractor trip after Meso 2 (gets kinda pricey), but I'll be seriously considering it when I'm nearing the completion of Meso 3.

Rest and recovery are important to me. I imagine my taxed muscles taking that week to fully heal and repair. May be more difficult for them to do that if I'm asking them to bounce around to intense cardio.