The benefits of a rest week

[Maximus]

You know, I do this once a year & yet I just dread it the few weeks before. It's like I'm so afraid of undoing whatever progress I've made or losing my momentum. And it's not a total rest week, it's just a break from weight training. I still did cardio, yoga & pilates.

But at the gym last night I felt incredibly strong. I was up 5 lbs on 3 of my 4 bicep exercises (a little fatigued on the last exercise), and 7-10 on my back routine (except for the dreaded pullups--the extra weight I put on over the w/e probably did not help ).

I wonder why this is? Who knows the physiology behind it? Is it the healing of little muscle fiber tears perhaps? Or is it just that my muscles needed rest as much as the rest of me? I'm just amazed at the awesome workout I had & am trying to figure out why. That way I won't dread it as much next year.

 

[toastythemosty]

Maximus,

That is really neat! I wondered and pondered over this myself. I am going to be visiting my parents for 10 days this month and just thought I would do a fat loss rotation as I can't imagine bringing all my weights in the back of the car. LOL. So I hope the same thing will happen to me once I go back with weights. I haven't been working out as long as you so I am kinda scared, but it really makes sense what your saying. In general, I feel like my tri's are always sore everyday of the week so maybe a rest would help me to lift more later. You have probably noticed that even on your most tired days that you can still lift the weights so why not after rest days? I am just trying to talk myself into this. LOL

Charlotte~~

 

[Maximus]

Well, you're supposed to do it at least once a year, preferably twice, but I have a really hard time with that, unless I come down with the flu or something.

Also if you get antsy you can probably pay a daily fee at a gym near your parents. I do it pretty much every time I travel anywhere. Don't know how comfortable you'd be doing that, but it's always an option.

 

[fitxme]

I was forced into rest a few years ago following surgery. I dreaded the surgery knowing I would be unable to work out for so long. I had to layoff for 6 weeks and I was scared to death.

But my goodness!! I came back stronger than ever. I started lifting very slowly and then started walking. I re-evaluated my form and made some changes there since I was starting all over and boy did it make a difference. I've never felt stronger in my life and I was back to myself and beyond in no time.

So rest is a good thing...only problem for me is that it's very hard for me to do that as often as I should...it's like I have to be forced into it. Not because I'm worried about losing anything, because I know for a fact based on past experiences that will not happen, but rather because working out is such a habit for me and when I don't work out...the day just doesn't seem complete.

I am going away for a reunion in a few weeks and I probably won't work out...so maybe I'll rest then (maybe).

~Marietta
FITXME

 

[Carla K]

Wow! Learn something new everyday. This is great info to know. I am going to Kentucky to visit my sister this summer. I was not looking forward to it because there is no way I can bring all my weights! But! I could do the break and do cardio. She is a runner, so she would make me run with her everyday. Which is a good thing! I just didn't want to lose what I have accomplished so far. Thanks, Ladies!

 

[kathryn]

I don't take a lot of totally "off" weeks, but I do lighter workouts for a week every month or so. I find that doing lighter, yet effective-in-their-own-way workouts (Core Secrets and functional fitness workouts with no-to-light weights and focus on the core) for a while gets me ready to hit my heavier weight workout hard.

When I was doing a P90X rotation, I worked each muscle group only once a week, giving it lots of rest. I was able to increase my weights and/or reps on most exercises almost every workout.

I think rest and recovery allows your muscles to repair 100% and more (building)and by taking a week off once or twice a year, you allow deeper, systemic rest to take place, and also allow your nervous system to rest a bit, so when you come back, everything is ready to work.