Importance of Sleep/Rest - JP Fitness Forums

liftintexas · 02-20-2008, 08:00 AM

I honestly searched the forums archives but didn't find anything directly on point. I'm sure someone will show me where this has been discussed at length.

My current program calls for lifting MTRF - 4 days. I try to do cardio for 30 minutes on the weekend. My primary goal is building size, but don't want to add anything around the middle - at least not too much.

What about Wednesdays and the importance of a true rest day? I'm so tempted to get up early like I do those other mornings during the week and do something - more cardio, throw in additional isolation exercises, because I just feel like I should be doing something. However, I'm sure it makes sense to have some time off (and more than 6 hours of sleep every night, too).

Thoughts? Just take a day off as prescribed or okay to slip in something else? Thanks!

Phaedrus49er · 02-20-2008, 08:24 AM

I try to stay out of the gym on my "off" days. The temptation is just too great to do SOMEthing. Instead, I do some simple isometric core work, foam roll, and stretch. I also sometimes run a 5K or do a sprint session at a track (always on the programs' "Saturday") and otherwise just get up and so something light (dancing, disc golf, go play with a friend's dog, etc). Of course, it's all moot if you're not sleeping

kfisherx · 02-20-2008, 08:39 AM

I agree that I have to stay out of the gym. I am the type of person who always has to do so going to the gym would equal a workout for me. I run or hike or some sort of thing instead. It is good for you on many levels. I keep telling myself that it is when I am resting that my muscles are growing.

Leigh P. · 02-20-2008, 09:24 AM

You need rest days, you need to allow time to occur to where you are not over stressing your system. Activity is fine, training is not. I always have two rest days a week and I choose those days to put a good focus on stretching and mobility work.

Sometime you need to force yourself to sit still especially if you are the type that doesn't want to.

liftintexas · 02-20-2008, 10:49 AM

Thanks to everyone for replies. Good confirmation of what I suspected, but was hoping not to hear!

Leigh, would 20-30 mins of cardio count as training?

Tom@foresight · 02-20-2008, 11:13 AM

I think a lot of people under estimate the importace of rest days. you body needs time to rest and recover, if you do not take rest time you are much more likely to burn out.

I normally recommend at least one full rest day a week.

TOM