Yesterday I spent the morning in bed (watching Jersey Shore reruns and eating pancakes!) and then went to the Botanical Gardens in Piedmont Park in Atlanta (above) for a stroll in flip flops.
That’s right, I didn’t say anything about spinning, yoga, or a run through the park. I took the day off from exercise. I was tired as I should be after my week of exercise.
We all need a day off from work, diets, exercise, things that are taxing on our bodies and souls.
But here’s the thing, all of those are important and necessary. Our bodies need exercise to get our heart rates up at least for 30 minutes a day. So how do we know when it’s time to rest and then recover?
The best answer: When you feel tired. When your body aches. When you physically feel spent.
How many days you take off will change from week to week. I’ve found my days off are a direct result of how hard I push myself on the others. Of course, scheduling becomes a conflict as well. I might even want to workout one day, but they day’s demands consume all of my time.
The second answer: When we plan a day off.
Just like everything else, we should carve out time to exercise and rest. Here’s my regular schedule:
- Monday: Lifting with trainer.
- Tuesday: Spinning/cardio.
- Wednesday: Lifting with trainer.
- Thursday: Day off.
- Friday: Boxing/cardio.
- Saturday: Yoga and maybe a jog.
- Sunday: Spinning/jog/light weights.
This is what works for me. Me, maybe not you. By Thursday I’ve found I’m usually physically spent. If not, then I do a light workout and take Sunday off.
Plan your week around your goals and schedule the time in your calendar to make it happen.
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