Day of Rest

[RedT]

Is a day of rest really necessary? I weight train 4 days a week (2 upper, 2 lower) and do cardio every day (more or HIIT on the days I don't lift), and I am in formal triathlon training twice a week.

I'm loving it, and I do not feel burned out. I have been doing this (w/o the Tri training) for years.

I am not (seriously) trying to gain or lose weight just keep in shape (although I would like to drop about 2% BF I know what I have to do (ie. my diet) and I know I am not doing it, so I can't say I am trying to lose).

Days that I do not do any formal exercise at all I will either end up mowing the yard or feeling like poo (psychologically) for sitting around like a lump.

Am I neurotic (more than most of you folks?)? Do I really need to rest a day?

 

[dswithers]

First, I'd say if you are healthy and feeling good without a rest day, then you don't need rest days. And by feeling good I mean both physically and psychologically. Remember the best exercise routine for YOU is the one YOU will follow consistantly for the long term.

Alternately, your current routine may not be optimal for producing the results you are trying to achieve. And in the long term not taking a day of rest now and then may lead to overtraining and injury. What are your goals and how quickly are you progressing towards your goals? If you are like me and your goal is just to stay healthy and active for as long as possible, then maybe it does not matter if you cut 5 seconds off your mile time or add 10 pounds to your bench press or loose 2% body fat in the next 6 weeks, so who cares.