In a perfect world, I would workout seven days a week.
My favorite part of my day is when I walk into a 92 degree room for yoga sculpt, taking interval training classes, or simply getting to go on a long run outside. I love being able to spend that time with my family and friends, creating a release of endorphins.
I see workouts as a way to take a break from my busy schedule and relieve stress. I look forward to this hour of my day and often forget that workouts are an added stresser on my body, activating my nervous system, and draining my energy. High intensity classes cause the body to be in a high cortisol stressful state that requires muscle recovery in order to prevent overtraining, according to an article by UCHealth.
Strength training creates small tears and damage to muscle fibers which is repaired through ample rest that rebuilds the muscles stronger, according to an article by Women’s Health. So, strength results come from adequate time to repair your muscles or you risk physically overtraining your body.
Some of the signs that daily workouts are too much include being very sore or in pain, different mood and energy levels, and changes in appetite, Women’s Health said.
I was continuing to tear my muscles without providing them with enough time to repair themselves and as a result I was sore all of the time. Additionally, I noticed the lack of energy I had even after sleeping a decent amount, this was because of my overtraining that caused my nervous system and muscles to be drained.
The consequences of zero rest days include nervous system and endocrine fatigue, overuse injuries, waning interest in exercise, mental fatigue, and constant soreness, according to an article by the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT). Many people think that more is better, yet when it comes to working out, rest and recovery is just as important for real progress to be made, NFPT said.
Women’s Health recommends that high intensity exercise should alternate with lower intensity workout days to give your body a break while staying active. This is why my goal for the year is to rotate in at least two active rest days a week, involving low intensity workouts such as walking and pilates classes. It is unrealistic for me to completely cut out movement from my day, but allowing myself to choose a lower intensity workout will give my muscles the time to repair while simultaneously allowing me to satisfy my workout desires.
Even though I love my workout classes, they will still be there the other five days of the week and in return I will be preventing myself from overtraining and ultimately preventing my body from being in a constant state of stress.
I may not be able to live in my perfect world, yet I know that taking these rest days will help my body be stronger and healthier in the long run.
