Here’s the deal: On recovery day, you’re relatively stagnant. (Perhaps you’re just doing some light stretching or Netflix-ing.) However, just because your heart rate is at rest, it doesn’t mean the rest of your body is cold too.
“Your body is doing some serious work while it’s resting,” says Amanda Freeman, Founder SLT and stretch*d. “This is actually the time your muscle tissue recovers and rebuilds from exercise. It’s during this rest/rehab period that your body gets stronger so that it can handle more stress — heavier weights, longer runs, faster intervals, etc. “In other words, your body is working hard to make sure tomorrow’s workout is great.
In order for you to fully recover from a strenuous effort, your system needs two things: carbohydrates and fluids. Research shows that your body needs about 24 hours to replenish its carbohydrate stores and at least a few hours to reabsorb the fluids it needs. That’s a pretty quick turnaround time, right?
However, our body’s tissues take much longer: studies show that we need to cycle through periods of activity and quiet for weeks to fully recover (and achieve those gains Freeman talked about above). When you take a day off, your body doesn’t need to pump energy into your workout, so it’s going all out to repair your muscles. This can affect your energy levels.
Also, if you are a morning exerciser, FightCamp trainer Jess Evans points out that when you’re in do not Having to get up at 6:30 a.m. to exercise may increase your fatigue. “You may have a different schedule, which may involve sleeping, which can make you more tired. I recommend getting as close to your schedule as possible to help relieve physical and mental fatigue, and getting out into nature or taking a short walk can help you cheer up ,”she says. Getting an extra dose of sunlight will help your circadian rhythm.
Of course, your off-day activities can also drain your energy.Maybe you’re preparing meals for the week ahead, or watching the entire season Stranger Things– You’ll find that these activities (though great) cause your eyelids to sag. If this is the case, you can choose active recovery options that are energizing but still serene, such as an easy hike, foam rolling, or low-key swimming.
Overall, trainers say it’s well worth figuring out how to enjoy your off days, as they’re absolutely crucial — not just for your physical health, but your mental health as well.
“Rest days are not only important, they’re essential. Sometimes new athletes struggle with the concept, but the time spent resting and recovering is just as important as the time we allocate to fitness goals. It takes time for the mind and body to heal from the stress of exercise,” SoulCycle head coach Chris Layda said. So find a way to love them, family – they are the key to making sure you can exercise for many years to come.
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