While I could write paragraphs about the importance of adequate rest, let’s keep this short and sweet. Rest days are critical for making progress; they are where your body recovers and adapts from what you asked it to do in recent workouts. If you aren’t taking a break, you aren’t reaping the benefits of your hard work. Period. (Note: “Oh, I just went for an easy 6 mile run” = NOT RESTING).
So, how to take advantage of your rest days to maximize your recovery benefits?
- Foam rolling and self-myofascial release with the lacrosse ball, especially for those of you with tight hips and shoulders!
- Find a favorite stretch at MobilityWOD and do it!
- Extra sleep
- Take a nice long walk
- Instead of a gym workout, try a kitchen workout. Nutrition–particularly adequate protein intake and adequate caloric intake from high quality sources–is critical for recovery and long-term performance. Plan out your meals and try pre-preparation to make future meals a breeze.
The rewards of rest day kitchen prep…
What’s your favorite rest day recovery activity?
pretty sure “Oh, I just went for an easy 6 mile run” was me 😉 oops!
I am pretty guilty of the non-resting “rest day,” too. e.g., “Just a 90-minute bikram class!” But, I’m trying to break the habit, as you will be amazed by how much stronger you can get when you let your body actually rebuild muscles.