Day 1,044 - On Rest Days.

This is one of those posts that starts out as a simple question in my head that I then tweet out into the Twitterverse that then becomes a blog post.  Don't you love it when that happens?  Hehe.

So this morning, I tweeted this:

"Rest days?  Yay or Nay?  Anyone?"

I've been wondering about this for a bit.  Here's my school of thought on it, and it's probably kinda old school.

You should take at least 1 rest day a week.  Active recovery is essential in helping with your muscle growth.

As it is now, I take 1 rest day a week.  I work out 6 days a week for at least 1 hour.  I used to work out 4 days in a row, then take a rest day.  Sometimes, that would mean 2 rest days in a week, depending on when the fourth workout day fell in the week.

Today, after having worked out 7 days in a row, I decided to take a break.  A rest day.  Just to let my body & muscles recover.

I never take 2 rest days in a row. I just don't think that's a good idea.  It's way too easy (for me) to get used to rest days and become lazy.  That is a major no no for me.

I know there are people out there - hardcore fitness fanatics - who work out every single day.  Some of them make a living with their body, like bodybuilders or pro athletes/models.  Some of them used to be fat and workout everyday because they never want to go back to being the before photo.  I get that, I really do.  I mean, I never want to go back to the girl in the before photo, that's for damn sure, and I'm not even at my goal yet.  But for me, 6 days of working out a week, with a minimum of 60 minutes of intensity, is more than good for me.  Right now.  This may change as I inch my way closer to goal.  I don't know yet.  I will have to see how my body settles in during maintenance mode.  If and when I ever get there.  Fingers crossed.

How many rest days do you take a week?   What are your thoughts on it?  Let me know, I'm interested in hearing what you guys think.

Today, I decided to work my core a little so that I wasn't completely sedentary.  I held a full form plank for 1 minute & 33 seconds.  I did some crunches also.  Not a whole lot though.  And I made a conscious effort to walk around the office more.  That includes going up & down the stairs more today than I normally would have.  Several, several, many times.

By the way, don't get me started on the mess my desk was when I got back today.  Covered in files.  Totally sucked.  But at least I was busy, and will be busy for the next week.  For sure.  The rest of the week.  Awesome.

Anywho, I decided to treat myself to a manicure & pedicure today.  I figured I deserve it, so why not?  The fact that my cuticles were driving me crazy may or may not have played a factor in this decision.

Formal affair by Essie.  It's a little lighter than I'm used to going, but it's the summer time, so I figure it's ok.

Solid day.  Tracked everything, stayed within my points, and got in all the requirements.  It feels really good when you eat well.  And when you feel good, your mind is clearer, and you make better decisions.  Whether it's food or everyday life decisions, you just make better decisions.  Ain't that right?

Need to blog stalk and catch up on some stuff.

Good choices!