Not sure I deserve my rest week

Kirjava · 09-30-2008, 05:35 AM

I'm technically on week 4 of OPT. The reason I say "technically" is because I've had a hard time following the program in the past two weeks, because I've moved cities and started a new job, and as you can imagine, life is incredibly hectic. I've tried really hard to stick to my recommended cal levels, but I do overshoot maybe 2 to 3 days a weeks, and for the last two weeks I worked out 4 days a week, not 6. I've been hitting the resistance workouts, but dropped cardio a few times. But at the same time, I have been doing huge bike rides in my new city and also doing tonnes of walking and NEAT.

It's frustrating because the first week of OPT I did everything perfectly and lost 4 lbs and it felt amazing; now in the last two weeks I've been just hovering with the weight, but truly, with this kind of lifestyle change it's just been very difficult and now I'm trying really hard to get back with things.

So this week I'm supposed to take a rest week, which is actually really appealing because I'm very tired out and that idea sounds great to me, but I'm not sure I really "deserve" it. I've thought about doing week 3 over again, but honestly, I don't know if I can make myself do exercies A1 and A2 again, I'm quite bored of them and want to move on. But then I saw when "moving on" that I got a rest week and thought: "great! But.....do I really deserve that?"

Thoughts?

LaraT · 09-30-2008, 06:33 AM

I think you should take the rest week regardless. Sounds like a lot of stress and activity the last few weeks with the move, new job. Even though you haven't hit all the workouts that stress (and extra NEAT) takes a toll on the body as well. Plus you say you feel tired. The body needs rest and not giving it rest can be detrimental to fat loss in the long run.

Lost Dog · 09-30-2008, 08:04 AM

It's not about deserving the rest, it's about taking the rest.

SpacecityPaula · 09-30-2008, 08:38 AM

What LaraT said. Be kind to yourself and let yourself recover from the stresses of moving and starting a job. Being Kind to myself after all this IKE Business here in Texas was the best thing I did for myself. It allowed me to get rested up to the point where I want to do something. So take the rest week.

Kirjava · 09-30-2008, 12:14 PM

Thanks for the feedback, guys. It's good to see these recommendations, because that accords exactly with where I'm leaning! I'm looking forward to checking out a couple of yoga classes this week and being recharged for next week.

Bytsi · 09-30-2008, 01:56 PM

Just to chime in (late), rest is a tough concept for me, but I'm learning that it's not something you EARN. It's something you NEED and require just as much as food and exercise and water.

It's amazing how rundown we get when we think we don't deserve rest because of minor blips off of our planned program.

Leigh P. · 09-30-2008, 02:10 PM

Final add, remember this isn't about punishment, this is about empowering yourself to take control of your life and body. There is only reward for doing good, but there is no "punishment" for doing bad. The sentence of non-compliance is only time. Your mindset is what is important. It is better for you to take this rest week and plug away on the plan as followed because you are more likely to actually finish the plan.

The hardest part of any program is actually finishing it. You are already ahead of the game.