When should I take a rest week?

[CollinsMom]

The last time I rested for several days in a row (about 5 days) was in early June, when I was on vacation.

Since returning, I did a 5 week one-part-per-day rotation. I am now on week 1 of 3 doing 3 total body days, followed by 3 cardio only days.

When should I take an extended rest? And should it be a TOTAL rest (no cardio or weights), or should I do an all-cardio week, no weights?

TIA!

 

[LauraMax]

I only take true rest weeks twice a year (by choice--sometimes the flue or what have you gets in the way).

You can take a rest week every 2-3 mos & still throw in some pilates, yoga & cardio. In fact often when I take a rest week I do light cardio for my mental health--rest weeks make me crazy!

 

[kathryn]

Taking a complete rest week is good once a year, but taking a 'recovery' week every few weeks is also important. That doesn't mean 'no exercise,' but it does mean lower intensity and perhaps change of focus, concentrating on stretching/yoga, moderate cardio, core work, functional fitness and other types of workouts that can serve as 'pre-hab' and help prevent injury by strengthening stablilizing muscles that often are ignored when working superficial muscles and working on balance.

It's nice to be able to coordinate rest weeks with vacations or trips so that you don't have to worry about exercising while you are trying to relax and unwind.

 

[LauraMax]

<gasp> A rest week during vacation? If anything that's when I work out more! Exercise what I do for fun!

Recovery weeks are OK but as with many things this depends on your goals. If you're going for the "Cathe" look frequent recovery weeks are not a good idea. In order to gain muscle mass you have to be consistent with weight training. I wouldn't even consider a recovery week more than every 90 days or so.