3 Reasons Why You Should take Rest Days
Is it OK to take rest days?
One question that comes up a lot when it comes to my at-home workout routine is if I take rest days. The answer is yes! There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking days off from working out. There are many reasons why we would need a break: dealing with period cramps, a long day at school/work, or when you are sick. You shouldn’t feel guilty about taking rest days; they are essential throughout your health journey and in listening to your body's needs.
Here is a list of reasons why you should take guilt-free breaks from working out:
Long Term Consistency
Consistency is critical to maintaining your health and fitness goals. When you start off with small, healthy changes, it becomes easier to develop new ones that turn into habits. Over time, consistency, including rest days in your routine, can help you stay committed to your fitness journey because you are listening to your body's needs.
Injury Prevention
Overtraining without proper rest can increase your risk of injuries. Continuous stress on your muscles and joints can lead to stress fractures. Rest days are essential, especially if you are working out as a beginner, to ensure you are not hurting yourself.
Your Mental Well-Being
If you have a problematic relationship with working out, starting with small goals you know you can stay committed to is best. Before losing weight, I had a problematic relationship with the gym. I would often open up memberships and give up only one day in. I learned how to stay active in the comfort of my own home and chose simple workouts so that I didn’t have to overthink. I decided on squats and sit-ups because they targeted my core and were easy to do. Rest days allow you to recharge mentally, reducing stress and preventing burnout. It can help you maintain a healthy relationship with exercise, preventing it from becoming an obsession.
Remember that rest days are not a sign of weakness but a wise and necessary component of a well-rounded fitness plan. Listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to adjust your workout routine to accommodate the rest your body needs.
