Recovery days???

Hi folks,

I just realized that I haven't taken a recovery day since my sister's cancer diagnosis (2/7/14)!  Going to the gym daily has been great for my mental health. 

Here's the question...am I doing any harm by not taking recovery days?  And, what types of activities do you guys engage in on a recovery day instead of doing a gym workout?

Karen

I think it depends on what you are doing at the gym.  If you are doing light to moderate intensity, you can go everyday if you like.

You are not maximizing your fitness. All fitness gains happen at rest. If you don't rest adequately, your body can't repair your muscles enough and so you don't progress as fast as if you would if you took some time off.

Not managing your recovering is a good way to plateau in your fitness and to overtrain. Overtraining can lead to all sorts of issues including getting sick more often or getting injured.

Getting good sleep, hydrating well and taking a day off every once in a while is smart training. It's what the pros do because they know how important recovery is. They actually think of recovery as training!

As for what I do, it just depends. Some people do "active recovery" which would be something like taking a short walk or maybe going shopping (if you do it right, shopping can burn as many calories as a formal workout). I don't do anything because I know what my body is capable of. I workout 5-7 hours a week. some of it fairly intense, and that requires TWO recovery days to manage at my age. Maybe I could have done it with one day when I was younger but I was a big couch potato when I was younger so I'll never know. LOL But I'm 56. Most people in their 20s and 30s and even 40s don't need two recovery days. One is just fine.

MacMadame, I have sinned. ;) In all seriousness, I know you are right. I kind of thought this. Good to have it confirmed. 

If you are doing resistance training, High intensity interval training and very intense workouts I agree that a recovery day is necessary.  ENOUGH SLEEP IS ALWAYS NECESSARY.  If you are doing moderate activity at the gym such as walking on the treadmill or swimming laps or taking a class here and there you will not do your body harm by not taking a recovery day. 

Personally, I train VERY hard.  I lift heavy weights 6 days a week and take a recovery day becuase my body needs it.  On these days I will do yoga, go for a long walk with the dog or a leisurely swim to keep my body active but I am not over doing it as the body needs the recovery. 

Your body will tell you when you need a recovery day.  Listen to your body.  If you are very sore, exhausted and too drained to do the next workout then I would say take a recovery day.  If you are feeling good, have the energy and are getting plenty of sleep at night and keeping your diet in check... keep rocking it girl!

Thanks Lyss!  I don't know that I train especially hard.  I have a bad back and hit my tolerance with weights.  (I gave myself tendonitis in my shoulder 2 - 3 times!)  I do yoga weekly already but it is easy Hatha and nothing too strenuous.  I think the key is leisurely.  I don't sleep especially well but that has been a lifelong issue for me.  Otherwise, I have plenty of energy.

I'm having my gallbladder out on Friday so I think FORCED recovery days are in my future whether I like it or not.  :)  It's amazing though, how fast your body bounces back when it is fit.  I am hoping to back to work after a week if I feel up to it. 

Thanks again for the suggestions!

Karen

I agree with others that if you are weight training, rest is important to allow your muscles to recover.  Have you considered yoga?  Good for overall well being and flexibility, without being over taxing on the muscles or your heart rate.  

I love, love, LOVE yoga.  :)  I actually have practiced for years before my RNY.  I joined a more challenging class and then asked myself WHY?  I love my old class and continue to take it.