Why You Need To Rest After Exercise

What is exercise?

This is a physical activity that uses energy and is executed for a specific goal eg weight loss, cardiorespiratory endurance etc. For exercise to be beneficial and attain the goal, is has to be properly planned and executed. Any activity that one does is a form of stress to the body because something new is introduced to the body and the body has to react to this “new thing” and see if it can adapt; this is where we feel the pain afterwards.

What happens in our bodies when we exercise?

During workouts, our muscles lengthen and shorten, this creates resistance that makes it count that one is working out. Think of it this way, your muscle is like a rubber band, when you stretch it, you usually feel the resistance and the same way when you overstretch it a tear may occurs. The same way muscles stretches and in the process they may tear when overstretched.

What is rest?

Rest is a short period away from exercise or anything else, just like pausing a movie then come back to it later. You can rest during the workout (between reps and sets), after workout and entirely after your training program (this applies mostly for professionals who use the in-season and off-season schedules)

Types of rest in exercise.

Active rest; this is where a person reduces load or intensity of workout e.g. when you train during the three days in a week, two days can be used for swimming or taking a light walk.

Passive rest; this is where a person stops working out for a period of time. This helps one to have total rest and recharge their energy levels e.g. taking a day off to go for sauna and massage. This is total rest to the body.

Indications that you need to take a break.

Injuries from working out.
Feeling stressed instead of refreshed
Feeling extremely exhausted even after stretching and relaxing.
Lack of sleep due to extreme fatigue.
No results even after hitting the workouts.
Having mood swings and extreme anger.
Feeling sick or unwell.

Listen to your body, treat it as a baby, the way you gradually introduce new food, ideas and games to that baby, introduce your body to good workout, good rest and good vibes.

With these in mind you shall feel the difference and enjoy your workouts every time. You know that feeling of ” I can’t wait to be at the gym, see my trainer and sweat it off?”, it will be yours.

How do you take your rest?

During your workout, ensure you have rests in between your sets and workouts. This ensures that you are able to supply oxygen to the muscles and provide some extra energy for the working muscles. Take it as a booster.
Proper and adequate sleep. During sleep our muscles repair themselves from the tear. As a result, new, stronger and bulkier muscles grow. Through this one can achieve increased muscle mass and toning. that’s how muscles grow as nutrients are supplied to the muscles which in turn help the repairing and healing of the working muscles. (1)
This provides peace and tranquility to the mind, soul and body. It takes you momentarily from the worries of life to a positive and satisfying moment in your life. Who wouldn’t want a moment of “me time” to be just you and yourself vibing? Enroll in yoga classes once or twice a week, try that swimming lesson today and maybe ride a bike to the park. Just give that body a break but sweet break.

Involve yourself in other activities like your hobbies, e.g. taking a class in drawing, cooking or even gardening. This helps to induce the production of the “feel good ” hormones. Hence having a relaxed and less stressful day.

Taking a break doesn’t mean you are becoming lazy or lagging behind. Try it out and see it might be part of the break though you need to help shed off that weight, tone those muscles or increase your muscular strength.

As you rest, remember hydration is a vital part in your rest schedule as it helps in proper muscle recovery, reduces risk of dehydration and helps in reducing muscle soreness. So, relax, take it easy and enjoy this fitness journey like the boss you are. Click this link for more informative articles (2)