when to take a break

Hi All, I have been working out every day of the week. My workout consists of about 30 minutes of cardio (usually elliptical) and then focused weight lifting. I will do back/chest one day, then legs, then bi/tri/shoulders, then legs again, and back/chest, then legs, and so on. My question is, is it ok to workout everyday or should you be taking at least one day off a week? Also, when do you begin to see results if you are working out that consistently?

Thu. Feb 15, 1:32pm

probably a professional trainer would know the answer to this but I stop when my body tells me to. I work out Monday through Friday and by saturday I can't bring myself to go to the gym again.

Thursday, February 15, 2007, 1:46 PM

Been there, done that. I was taking off one or two days a month for a while, and I only took them off because my body felt so incredibly sore and beaten that it would get to the point where turning my head required too much effort. Another thing - if you're trying to lose weight, I've found that most drops on the scale happen after taking a day off, kind of like giving your body a chance to "catch up" on all the good work you've been doing. Also, I've determined that the Law of Diminishing Returns kicks in if I workout more than 3 consecutive days -- in other words, I take a day off every 4th day for the best results.

Thursday, February 15, 2007, 1:54 PM

Your body gets 'used to' the same exercises day after day, so taking a break periodically helps keep it effective. I have a routine very similar to yours except I take weekends off and get outside and mix it up (hiking, skiing, snowshoing, walking along the lake or on hills, biking, etc..). It doesn't feel like 'working out', but uses different muscles and makes me glad I work out so I am in good enough shape to do my beloved weekend activities at the level I'd like - I just hate huffing and puffing all the way up a gorgeous mountain trail! If I'm really sore, I may take a day off, but make sure you still stretch and do something gentle to keep from getting stiff.

Thursday, February 15, 2007, 5:08 PM

Your body needs to recover. So even though it feels like you're slacking off, take a day off and vary the intensity of your cardio. You'll reduce the effectiveness of your workouts if you push through on an overly tired body. My trainer confirmed this. :) Happy exercise.

Thursday, February 15, 2007, 5:32 PM

You should take off at least one day/wk to let your body recooperate. Otherwise you are actually doing detrement. Your muscles need to repair the tiny tears made while stength training.

Thursday, February 15, 2007, 7:22 PM

Please rest

I hope I'm not to late to answer this thread. The best way to tell if your over training is by watching your heart. Check your resting heart rate, that is your heart rate first thing in the morning, the bast way to do this is with a heart rate monitor. If your resting heart rate goes to more then 10 BPM above your normal resting HR then it;'s time to rest.

The other thing to remember is that your do not build muscle or aerobic capacity during a workout. All working out does is burn energy and calories and tear down muscle fibers. It si in the resting phase that the muscles repair and get stronger and bigger, leaner, etc. If you consistently work out 7 days a week you will wend up very fatigued and weaker then when you started. Rest is extremely important.

kman

Friday, February 16, 2007, 2:49 PM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge