Take a day off from exercise?

Relaxing with Smokey

I know what you're thinking... Doc, you're the one who is always asking: "what are you doing currently for fitness?" I am a huge believer in daily exercise, whether it is walking the dog or training for a marathon. But I also strongly believe in taking time off if you are exercising intensely day after day. Most folks I speak to seem to think that it is the exercise that makes them fitter, stronger, faster, etc... What they don't realize is that exercise is merely a stimulus to the body, from which the body learns and adapts. It is this adaptation that makes the body fitter, and it is during times of rest that we best adapt.

Rest includes sleep, but also times when we are awake but not putting strain on the body. Obviously, what is restful for some might not be the same for others. My wife and I might go for a long beach cruiser ride on a rest day, whereas someone else might consider that same ride a good day of exercise. It is all relative to what you typically do for your exercise regimen, so don't compare yourself to others when it comes to rest. You must determine what is restful for you, not for your neighbor. Additionally, there are some who benefit greatly from more rest than others might need. I see this a lot in my high school athletes and also in my fellow triathletes. Folks get dead set on following a training plan, or staying with the group, and they neglect their bodies' warning signs of overtraining. Signs such as irritability, inability to sleep well, pain and excessive soreness that don't go away, etc... Without getting too much more technical, I follow the simple rule of thumb which is when in doubt and/or abnormal discomfort, take an easy day or better yet take a day off and REST! You'll recover and be more motivated and ready to get back at it the following day. Good luck!