![]() This could be anything from doing a standing hamstring stretch to doing walking lunges. Active StretchingĪctive stretching is a type of stretching that involves moving your body while you stretch. You can use a foam roller on any muscle group that’s feeling tight or sore. Going for a light jog, taking a bike ride, or even going for a leisurely swim are all great ways to get some cardio in without overdoing it.įoam rolling is a form of self-massage that can help improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness ( 1 ). Just because you’re not doing your regular workout doesn’t mean you can’t get your heart rate up. Yoga can also help improve your flexibility and balance, two things that are important for any type of workout ( 5 ). There are tons of different yoga poses that you can do to target different muscle groups. Yoga is a great way to get your body moving without putting too much stress on your muscles. Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of active rest days, let’s take a look at some examples of workouts you can do on your day off. Active rest days can still give you that boost of endorphins that comes with exercise, without putting too much stress on your body ( 2 ). Boosted MoodĮxercise is a great way to improve your mood, but sometimes you need a break from the intensity of a regular workout. When you’re constantly pushing your body to its limits, that can lead to burnout, both mentally and physically.Īctive rest days give your body and mind a chance to recover so you can perform at your best when you workout. ![]() Taking an active rest day can actually help improve your performance ( 2 ). ![]() Read More: Bedtime Drinks: Best And Worst Drinks For A Restful Night Active rest days give your body a chance to recover from these workouts and can help prevent injuries down the road ( 2 ). If you’re constantly pounding your body with high-intensity workouts, you’re increasing your risk of injury. This can help you come back to your next workout feeling refreshed and ready to go. Taking an active rest day can give you a much-needed mental break from the grind of a workout routine. Let’s be honest, working out can be tough, both mentally and physically. Taking an active rest day can help keep your blood vessels open and improve circulation throughout your body, not just to your muscles ( 2 ). When you work out, your heart rate increases and blood vessels dilate to send more blood to your muscles ( 2 ). Improved CirculationĪctive rest days can also help improve circulation. Waste products like lactate and carbon dioxide build up in your muscles during exercise, and they need to be flushed out as part of your muscles recovery process ( 2 ). An active rest day can help reduce this soreness by getting blood flowing to your muscles ( 2 ). This is what causes soreness 24-48 hours after a workout (aka delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS). ![]() When you work out, you’re actually causing tiny tears in your muscle fibers. There are several benefits to taking an active rest day: Muscle Recovery The idea is that you’re moving your body without putting too much stress on your muscles. This could be anything from going for a light jog to doing a yoga class. ![]() There is such a thing as an active rest day, where you engage in low-impact activities that help your body recover from your previous workouts.Īn active rest day is a day where you don’t do your regular workout, but you still do some kind of physical activity. But what should you do on your day off? Should you go about your day as if you didn’t just commit to a new workout routine? Sit on the couch all day and watch Netflix? No and no. In fact, giving your body ample time to recover between workouts is essential to seeing results. Contrary to popular belief, taking a day (or two) off from the gym doesn’t mean you’re slacking off on your fitness journey. Rest is just as important as exercise when trying to improve your physical fitness. What Should You Eat On Active Rest Days?.Active Recovery Stretches: Types And Benefits. ![]()
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