How important are days off?

[pugsrule]

Sent this to Cathe-but maybe someone else can help!!! Thanks!
Hi Cathe, I was just looking at your rotations and I noticed that all or most of them incorporate at least one day off. I never take a day off and I was curious if you think that may be detrimental? I really would like to get superlean and I feel that no matter what I do I still don't look the way I want. Thank you!!

 

[ldy_solana]

its important b/c it will prevent burnout and over use injury. also when you give muscles a day or two to recover and relax they can actually grow more. when you workout your muscle gets tiny tears and letting them "heal" so to speak will actually help your progress, whereas not letting your body time to recover, you may not see desirable results and plateu off rather quickly.

kassia

http://www.picturetrail.com/ldy_solana

"And do what thee wilt as long as ye harm none"

 

[Boybert]

I second what Kassia said. You need the mental & physical time to recover so you ultimately do not stall your progress. Plus, when you come back after a break, be it a day or a week, you often feel refreshed & have a renewed sense of energy.


Live with sincerity, love with passion, and dance like you mean it.

Debbie

 

[kathryn]

In your quest to get "superlean," you may be working against yourself by NOT taking a day off (unless, of course, some of your workout days are low intensity, like stretching or hatha yoga, or gentle walks). The body perceives intense exercise as stress, and one reaction to stress is hanging on to weight (the body thinks that stress = a condition that may mean food shortages, so is 'stocking up' so to speak, in preparation for it.

How much exercise is too much is a very individual thing, based on genetics, age and lifestyle (other stresses in one's life--physical, mental or emotional--vs stress-reducing nutritional habits).

Also, consider that you may not be genetically predisposed to be able to get 'SUPERlean' healthfully, and "lean" might be a better gal for you.