True or false: You should work your muscles every day if you want to build them. If you believe that this statement is true, you might want to reconsider your position because pushing your body day in and day out can often do more harm than good.
Rest Equals Bigger Muscles
First and foremost, just as your mind rejuvenates during a few hours of peaceful sleep, your muscles need time post workout to refresh themselves as well. After all, it is the healing of the muscle fibers torn during strength training that makes them grow bigger and stronger.
Ideally, you want to give yourself at least 48 hours before working a muscle group again. Do it sooner than that and you’ll see smaller gains – and smaller muscles.
Rest Means Fewer Injuries
Additionally, if you don’t give your body time to heal after grueling workouts, you may overtax them, causing them to become injured. This is how some people end up with tears and strains, by simply pushing their body to do more when it should be resting.
While it certainly helps your health to live an active lifestyle, make sure it isn’t so active that you wind up hurting yourself. That kind of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?
Rest is Excellent for Your Motivational Levels
Live with the belief that you can never take time off from your fitness routine and you will burn out faster than a match dropped into a bucket of water. However, on the contrary, if you give yourself a day off every now and again, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated enough to keep your fitness routine a regular part of your day.
Post workout rest is a must for any serious fitness enthusiast. Finally…a reason to take some much needed off and not feel guilty about it!
