We’re snowed in today; home from work, still making money, and I have absolutely nothing to do…it’s pretty fabulous.
This was a car in Cleveland from 2 years ago.
I am the type of person that cannot literally do nothing; I get SO antsy!! So I am already thinking that I need to clean out my closet, organize the bathroom drawers, do laundry, watch Oprah (did anyone else catch Michael Pollen on there yesterday?), work out, and cozy up to finish the most recent book I’m reading! Oh the stress 
On my first ever snow day (at a big person job), I thought I would address the importance of rest. I know there are readers out there who may have started a new exercise program at the beginning of the year. If you stuck with it, you are probably starting to feel pretty great at this point; increased muscle strength, more endurance, and lots of energy. However, no matter how great you feel, I want you to keep one thing in mind; make sure to rest! Resting your muscles between workouts is a key component to your exercise program, giving your body time to recharge, rebuild, and rejuvenate.
I try to incorporate a rest day in to my exercise routine every 3-4 days. I use that day, not to be lazy, but to stretch, practice some calming yoga, or go for a light walk. Even though there are still days that I feel like I’m lazy if I take a day off from exercise, I try to remind myself how important that rest day truly is.
Last year I suffered a horrible set back with an injury to my upper back. I was over doing it with lifting and cardio every day of the week. I ended up hurting myself and could not work out at all for a good month! It literally took me from March of 2010 to September of 2010 to finally start feeling normal again. That was my wake up call. That was the light bulb that went on (or God telling me to slow down) and now I don’t push my body like that. I respect it!
I now know that I NEED to recharge my body, just like a battery. My workouts have gotten SO much more effective since I have started using regular rest days. I feel even MORE energized because I am finally giving my body the time it needs to heal and make repairs!
This is just a friendly reminder to keep any exercise program you follow balanced, take time to recover, and increase length and intensity of your work outs gradually. You will feel so much more amazing because of it!
Question:
Have you ever suffered an exercise related injury that made you realize you needed to slow down?
I’ve gotten stress fractures from running and had to take breaks so its def worth it!!!
What a great use of a snow day. Love this post, rest is indeed important. Take care and stay warm!!!
So jealous of your snow day!
I’ve just learned a VERY important lesson in rest as well!
oh yeah, last year i took a good 6 weeks off because i was running too much and injured both my quads. it’s SO important to listen to your body and remember that off days are just as important in training too!
I’m thinking everyone had a snow day but me!? But, i did have a sick day… So i guess its kind of the same.
I saw Oprah’s show yesterday I was appalled of the things they do to the animals. I have been phasing meat out of my diet but this wanted me to go 100% off!
Snow days are awesome! I love catching up on some reading or even some trashy television on days like that.
I’m the same exact way!! I’m much happier doing something, so rest days are really hard for me. But after going through tons of injuries, I’m finally learning that my body actually *needs* them. Glad you’ve realized it, too!
Amen to REST! I learned my lesson two years ago, when I suffered a stress fracture in my pelvis from running. I couldn’t walk for nearly a month, which definitely forced me to slow down. It was so hard, but taught me a valuable lesson: give your body time to recover! Thanks for sharing this!
I watched Michael Pollan on Oprah yesterday! Love him!
Glad you enjoyyed your snow day!!! I thought that was your car today..I was like WOW!!!
You’re so funny with how busy you make yourself when you have time on your hands. i usually sit around thinking about doing all those things…then get exhausted at the thought of it and just lounge around. Because it’s a snow day, and you’re allowed to on snow days!!! I can’t handle being snowed in for more than a day though. I go crazy!
I’m so glad you’re taking the time to mention this… I totally agree!
I am nursing tibial stress syndrome at the moment. I think I jumped back into an intense routine too quickly after a bit of a break and I am paying the price now!!
When I started running last year, I got a really bad overuse injury in my foot. That was a sign I needed to take it easy!
I don’t get snow days in la! I am the type of person that gets addicted to everthing I do, so it’s important for me to remember to slow down!
I agree, rest is soo important!! I always have 1-2 days of rest and I feel stronger after it and I can do better with my next workout. I am, however, terrible with stretching/yoga so I am trying to incorporate more of that in my workout routine.
totally feel ya on the injury!
http://fitoriblog.com/blog/2010/08/15/broken-foot-slow-down-sister/
I’m STILL in PT and my ankle is STILL not better. UGH!
Love snow days! I usually spend them catching up on all those “things” around the house.
We are actually iced in. Ice-zilla arrived. So I’ve been baking and working on Valentine’s treat ideas today!
No injuries and keeping my fingers crossed!
I totally feel ya’- I feel like I’ve been 10 times more active on my snow day than any other given day off… but I sort of like it that way, too.
YES whenever I feel a shin splint I know I should’ve settled down on the machine a bit. haha great looking yoga pose though!
Sure I have! My knee!!!!! I went nutso for spinning before my wedding and messed up my poor little knee so bad by not resting and also by running too hard on the bike. It’s been 6 months and I’m starting up classes again… though just twice a week this time!
glad you found your happy place for exercise! =)
We are so much alike Erin, yesterday I had a snow day and was like I can do this and that! It was a great way to catch up on things which I did. So awesome. I even got in a 1.5 hour nap…..just lovely
Great post! You are so right to encourage rest and recovery time!
I have never suffered an injury like yours (knock on wood.. it’s something I really am thankful for) but this week has been pretty tough and I know my bod needs a rest – physically and mentally. I’m trying to get over a cold and with all the snow we’re getting, it’s been a little more challenging than usual to stay in the best of spirits but I know I need to listen. Great message today Erin!
Rest rest rest rest! I would also suggest soaking in a tub of warm water like Lauren said to relax your muscles. I’m also snowed in (check my blog to see how much snow we got!) so I’ll be doing a million and one things as well! So much for relaxing
For two years I spent 2hrs at the gym 6-7 days a week. I’d skip sleep, social plans, etc to workout. But for the past three months my body finally rebelled and now I spend maybe an hour at the gym (cardio and strength) plus lots of long walks. I’m not as fit as I was but my body is thanking me over and over for the break.
Isn’t it interesting that the idea that a lot of the weight loss trends and fads try to get across is that the more you exercise, the more results you’ll see, but when you do take rest days, you actually feel better whenever you workout. I pushed myself too hard and never had enough energy….now that I rest, I enjoy my workouts more!
Rest is so important! I really like to go for a walk or do a few yoga stretches (to stretch, not strengthen) on rest days because it helps relax and massage my muscles. When I’m at home, going in the hot tub after running or snowboarding is the perfect way to rest & relax.