What type of activity (if any) is ok on "off" day??

[FigureSkater]

I usually reserve Sundays as my off/rest day. However, I find that I get very bored (I'm normally a very active person and I don't know how to just relax) and also feel rather guilty as I usually cheat on my diet a bit on Saturday...kind of pathetic since my cheat meals usually aren't too bad or I'm good at using moderation, but regardless...

During the week, my schedule consists of lifting Tues/Thurs/Sat, a Pilates class on Monday, 25-30 min. intense cardio (intervals/HIIT), sometimes a little more than that 6 days/wk and I also walk anywhere from 2-4 miles 5 days a week (to/from work or gym) and play softball on Weds nights. Even this is me attempting to be conservative...I'm a very active person and could easily do a lot more during the week but force myself not to

So I know I should take a day off with all that going on, but is some walking or light jogging, maybe some light lap swimming ok for Sundays? (No more than 25-30 min)

 

[jenscats5]

You can come clean my house for me! LOL

With all you're doing, I would suggest breakfast in bed on Sundays, with breakfast served on a tray followed by love-making.......

Otherwise, walk to get the newspaper or walk out to a bar....You've done enough the rest of the week!!

 

[Daisy_Girl]

I vote no activity. All your gains will come when resting. If you don't allow any rest, your gains will slow. Gains don't come while working out, they come when you allow the body to repair.

IF ANYTHING, I think some stretching should be it.

I used to be the same way, but now I LOVE my days off. I used to stress about the "extra" calories and less activity. Now I know that if you are SMART about cheat days - the extra calories are actually refeeding your body. The less activity allows the body, mind and soul to rest and recuperate from a normal busy life. It allows me to reevaluate my goals, plan for the upcoming week and see if I want to change anything.

 

[FigureSkater]

Thanks girls...It's hard for me to learn the meaning of the word "rest" However, once September comes and I'm teaching high school all day, going to graduate classes at night, keeing up my workout schedule, and my university's skating team starts practicing again, It will probably become much easier

 

[Daisy_Girl]

Rest is tough - I think we are so programmed to OVERDO things. We seem to think if 6 days a week is good, then 7 is better. It is a tough concept to wrap your mind around. Especially if you actually HAVE some "excess" time right now. My schedule is very open right now and it IS hard not to go to the gym and spend hours there - becasue I actually HAVE the time!

But like you said, once the school year starts - we'll be busy as hell!

 

[Sassy69]

I agree! I think the hardest part of a training regimen & even a diet is the "recovery day". Just keep telling yourself that OVERTRAINING = UNDERRECOVERY.

If you don't give your body the time off that it needs as part of the tear down & build up process, it will TAKE the time it needs when you least expect it, regardless of where you are in YOUR daily schedule. It can be rather inconvenient & have more frustrating repercussions than a day off every week. Trust me! Been there, done that. Still paying for it.