Why R&R Will do You Good

Typically someone might think R&R stands for some rest and relaxation, but we are going to mix it up and suggest some REST and RECOVERY for your bod. In beginning a new workout routine and begin getting those great results, endorphin rushes, more energy, sleeping better at night, and are just on the all time pink cloud of working out, you may tend to think "I want to do this EVERY SINGLE day". This feeling is not a bad one at all, and it is typically why we keep showing up at the gym day after day. However, too few rest days can tend to lead to over-training syndrome which is an extreme condition. To avoid over-training, we need to make sure to allow our bodies time to rest allowing our muscles to repair, rebuild, and to strengthen. In creating a workout schedule it is also important to set aside days where you may actively rest. For example, clean the house, walk the dog, play with your kids, etc. Staying mobile but not taking on too much strenuous exercise.

In the recovery process, your body is adapting to the stress of exercise and resistance training. It also helps the body to replenish energy stores and repair damaged tissues. Neglecting to allow your body to recover can cause someone to be taken out of there day to day routine for awhile.

Catching a full nights rest is also extremely important for keeping your body in balance. Generally if you have one or two nights of poor or little sleep, it won't have a high impact on your performance, but if you are consistently getting very little or inadequate sleep it can cause subtle changes in hormone levels. These hormones are typically the ones linked to stress, muscle recovery, and mood. Some research has shown that sleep deprivation can lead to increased amounts of cortisol (stress hormones), decreased activity of the human growth hormone - which is active during tissue repair, and decreased glycogen synthesis (which is how the body uses stored energy).