Rest days

[jenny73]

Are they a good idea or not and if so, why?
What are the benefits of having a rest day?

I'm currently going to the gym 4-5 times a week for 1h30-2hrs a time.

Didn't go yesterday after a heated debate with partner who told me I was better off resting muscles for a day or maybe even two before starting again next week.

To cut a long story short, I'm trying to lose as much weight and inches before the end of August (wedding).

[ohredwood]

Hey Jenny, I'm no expert, but have been trying to do as much if not more research than actual time in the gym. Yes, rest is equally as important if not more important than your time in the gym, especially if you are referring to doing any kind of strengthening or weight excercises where muscles are broken down and then require I believe 24-36 hours of healing time. I think the rule of thumb for most folks, is to work each muscle area once every 4-5 days, that gives it time to break down, heal and be ready to work again. The guys who are pro's probably do it more often with suppliments and a strict dietary intake/rest, etc....

If you are referring to cardio and losing weight, then that is different than muscle rest

[Boss Man]

Simple answer is YES rest is important. For someone like you looking at a weight loss result, 5 days max is all you need with 2 rest days. Keep the rets days split up, don't have them back to back, or you'll just train 5 days straight, followed by 2 days of nothing eating into progress slightly.

[jacal1]

I agree with previos posters - two days of rest is absolutely vital. You can do something very mild those days - like a walk or something to burn a few calories. But don;t overdo it - if you don't give your body a chance to heal a little you could either end up burning out or getting an injury that really interferes with your plans! Also, as I'm sure you know, don;t work the same muscles hard on consecutive days. Best of luck!

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