Working out is one of the best ways for anyone to stay in shape, no matter what your health or your age is. The benefits range from maintaining the right weight and health to recovering from physical injuries more quickly and keeping your body fit while it ages.
But go overboard with the workouts, and it may as well all backfire. People experiencing injuries due to playing too much sport or practicing too much aren't unheard of, and neither are muscle pains and exhaustion that can come in the way of your daily life.
If you want to avoid these outcomes and more from happening, you need to take frequent rest days that give your body enough time to heal and recover from the physical exertion it was put through. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of rest after working out.
Muscle Repair
Working out causes microscopic tears in your muscles, which can aggravate and cause a lot of pain when you don't give your muscles the time to repair themselves. This is especially important if your goal for working out is to gain muscles.
It's recommended that you get a good night's sleep and choose the right mattress for doing so. Mattresses that are too firm or too soft can be a problem, which is why you need to buy the right hybrid mattress for your needs and make sure it's at the right firmness level.
Muscle Fatigue
Exercise lowers the glycogen levels in your muscles, replacing them with lactic acid instead that cause muscle pain and fatigue.
If you rest enough, your muscles will be able to get rid of the lactic acid and replace the depleted glycogen levels - making sure you're ready for the next time you work out, and that your muscles aren't fatigued.
Healthy Sleep Routines
Your body will naturally feel tired after working out, and pushing it too far might make it harder for you to fall asleep, even when you're exhausted. But if you're sleeping when you should and letting your body get the rest it needs, you'll eventually slip into healthy sleeping habits that improve the quality of your life immensely.
Prevent Injuries
When you're tired and sleepy you're more likely to make mistakes, fall out of form, or make a move that's likely to hurt you more than it will help you.
This is especially a risk for anyone who lifts weights or engages in workouts that are risky if done wrong, or if you're playing sports that require vigorous physical exertion. Examples of high risk workouts and sports include weightlifting, gymnastics, football etc.
Lead a Balanced Life
Apart from the health benefits, taking rest days has other benefits as well. Every athlete and gym goer knows how much time these activities can take out of your life, which can make it harder for you to spend time on other hobbies or with your loved ones.
Down time is important for everyone, which is what rest days provide you an opportunity for.
