Workout programs are typically organized by the week.
But what does restingreallymean?
You dont have to just chill on the couch those days; you have options.
But thatsnot exactly true.
Plenty of professional and elite athletes work out every day, often twice a day.
There are two main reasons, I think, why three- and four- and five-day programs are so popular.
First is scheduling: not everybody can make time literally every day to exercise.
Most of us can manage three days a week, though.
Take thecouch-to-5k running program, for example.
The days in between are your rest days.
Our bodies adapt to hard work.Rest days arent mandatory, but they are a handy tool.
Instead, think of those days as yours to use for any other purpose as you see fit.
If youre doing a three-day lifting program, you might use the days in between for cardio or yoga.
Want to go for an easy 20-minute jog between squat day and deadlift day?
Sure, no problem.
A 10-mile hard run?
That might be a bad idea.
The amount of work thats appropriate will depend on what your body is adapted to.
If youre a longtime runner, maybe youcanrun 10 miles without wrecking yourself.
Resting is good, too.
Sometimes its easiest to keep a routine if its the same every day.
So, use your workout time for something else that is beneficial to your body.
Maybe youd like to spend some time stretching orfoam rolling.
Instead of going for a run or bike, it’s possible for you to take a leisurely walk.
Or spend some time meditating or doing something else that helps your mental health, likejournalingor reading a book.
After all, exercise isnt the only thing thats good for you.
