When you have a fitness goal in mind, it’s easy to get into a mindset that is constantly striving for more. Enthusiasm for the gym is not a bad thing, and establishing a regular exercise routine is something to be encouraged. However, when the push for progress comes at the expense of rest days, physical injuries and mental burnout become more likely. If you’re relatively new to exercise, or seeking a bit more balance, read these reasons to schedule in rest days.
Rest Your Body
Strength training, cardio, calisthenics, a combination of all three—whichever type of exercise you’re doing, giving your body a rest every now and then is guaranteed to improve your overall performance. The day after the rest day, you will feel fresher, with increased flexibility and power. If you are a runner, taking two or even three days out can give any injury-prone joints a chance to recover and your first run back after the rest is likely to be faster (and feel easier) than those you were doing before the rest period.
Rest Your Mind
Exercise has been scientifically proven to boost mood and help us sleep better. However, if our mindset is stopping us from resting even when we need it, we are more likely to start resenting exercise and developing a dislike for it. Allowing yourself to take days off will help you appreciate exercise as a great mood-booster, and remind you why you are choosing to do it. Remember, a rest day doesn’t have to mean no movement. Go for a mindful walk, taking your surroundings in, or do gentle stretching exercises on a yoga mat.
Regular runners and gym-goers will joke that taking a rest day is harder than exercising because there is something mildly addictive about that endorphin boost that a good workout brings. If you are finding rest days hard, remember that they are a vital part of your fitness journey—and they will help you go extra hard in the gym tomorrow!
