My Personal Trainer Forced me to Rest

Wait, what?

Yes! That personal trainer is me. Here’s why.

Since we currently train via FaceTime and Zoom, everyone (mostly) is training ALL THE TIME. Pre quarantine we went on vacations, had busy holiday weeks and work travel. These normal life events forced us to take breaks from strength training.

And that’s a GOOD THING.

When we strength train our muscle fibers break down in response to demand (lifting heavy things). It is during rest - while sleeping and during 1 week periods sprinkled throughout the year that our muscle fibers recover. They recover stronger so that the exercise is easier the next time the body tries to do it. This is called ADAPTATION. Adaptation IS improved fitness.

If we don’t rest enough, the fibers won’t repair. This continued breakdown can lead to unpleasant side effects (unusual muscle soreness, poor sleep, injury, lack of appetite, decreased performance, unusual emotional changes).

How much rest is enough?

24 - 48 hours between strength training sessions (the magic happens while we sleep) and a one week break every 4 - 8 weeks.

Grab your calendar and SCHEDULE your rest.

Try something new (low intensity) during the hours you would be training during rest week, walk, read, stretch and enjoy!