Rest Day

You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest.

Even though the quote is from Exodus 34:21, this is not going to be a devotional message on the Sabbath and keeping the Sabbath, rather it's going to be about exercise and rest days.

This past Thursday I did something unique to me, I took a total day off from all workouts. The only time this happens is if I am traveling somewhere and don't have the time. I will say I've taken mornings off, but usually I work out some time during the day, or catch up after work. But not Thursday. A total day of no exercise.

Part of it was due to the fact I did over do Wednesday and figured I had a few sore muscles that required a chance to rest. This did get me thinking about the concept of resting from exercise. I will say I'm one of those people who don't miss too many days of exercise. Part of the reason is that I like the workouts I have, another is the fact I need the points on Skimble. After all, there are a lot of people doing workouts and getting points and I don't want to lose my position overall, or even with those I follow. This is important and is a strong motivation. After all, I look at the standing as an important indicator. I believe I did mention that it leads to friendly competition. Still there are times when a rest is a good thing to have.

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on understanding the whole human anatomy thing, I just know myself and I think I'm a good indicator. Needless to say, if I don't know, I'm going online to read what I need to know about any subject, and distill some of it and share it with the people who read this blog. I also figure if you read this, you and I probably share a few characteristics, such as a desire to keep exercising and feeling healthy. We know what it's like to not be in shape and getting sloppy with life. We also don't want to go there ever again, so we work out. I came across this one paragraph:

Whether you’re just starting a training program or have been a fitness fanatic for years, you’ve probably experienced an “exercise high,” the feeling of exhilaration a lot of people experience during or after exercise. It’s brought on by the release of hormones called endorphins that serve as natural pain relievers in the brain. It’s those same endorphins that can make exercise feel addictive, sometimes making it difficult to take a much-needed break. Read more at http://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2013/10/22/take-rest-day-exercise-training/#MKXby7S8CubWLUza.99

The challenge then becomes how to ensure you keep the balance. Life is all about balance, work, rest, family, good times, down times, up times. Just as all things in moderation, so it must be with working out and exercise. There are some issues with not take rest times. I know from my running experience, it is important to take some time off, especially if there is an injury. The body and the muscles need the time to rest. I'm now learning it applies to everything. The muscles need the time to rest, recover and rebuild. The same article has this paragraph:

After any intense workout, the body needs time to recover. Some of the best ways to do so include taking a day or two off; doing a lighter, less intense workout, also known as active recovery; eating nutritious food that includes lean proteins, some fruit, whole grains and plenty of vegetables; and getting regular, consistent sleep during which time your body repairs muscle. Read more at http://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2013/10/22/take-rest-day-exercise-training/#MKXby7S8CubWLUza.99

This goes under the category of 'nuff said'. I'm learning this is important. I appears that without the rest, the effects become almost negative from what is wanted.

Taking a day off from your workouts allows your body to properly recover from training stresses. Proper muscular recovery ensures that you can perform the best you can during your next workout. Failing to take regular days off between workout sessions can lead to overtraining syndrome. Overtraining brings on a variety of negative effects like sleep disturbances, depression, fatigue and potential weight loss.

The quote is from LiveStrong. Here is the link.

As for taking the rest, it felt good and I didn't feel guilty for it. With this in mind, I'm sure I'll take at least a day a week to simply relax and enjoy.