Exercise Experts - Do I have to take a day off? What does that mean?

[NotQuiteCockney]

My normal exercise routine is running 3-5 days/week, plus about an hour's cycling, in bits, in traffic, so not really pushing it. Along with the usual walking etc etc.

For complicated reasons, this week, I've had no real cycling, but have been running a lot - in the last 7 days, I've run 6 times, and did a Tae Bo advanced DVD on the day I didn't run.

I am not v energetic though, I'm finding.

Do I need a day off from cardio? From exercise? What?

Yes a rest day is a very, very good idea. It will allow you and your muscles to recuperate. You can still go for a walk or something if you want to but don't go running or anything too high impact. DH is a competitive triathlete, runs 6 times a week, cycles 3 times a week (hard training ie 3 hours of pushing himself hard, he cycles to work every day too which is a gentler 45 minute amble) and swims three times. He always has a rest day and as a personal trainer recommends that everybody does the same.

Can I do pilates on a rest day?

I normally don't exercise enough to need an explicit rest day - 5 days a week of 1 hour of not-that-hard biking, and a few days of running.

You definitely warrant a rest day. You will find that you achieve better results if you have a day where you don't over-exert. This is what strengthens your muscles, the time when they rebuild themselves bigger and stronger in anticipation of you restarting your routine. It is as important as the days when you do exercise. I'm not sure about pilates. It depends what sort you do. Some gentle stretching and a walk might be better.

Ack.

Thing is, I'm under a lot of stress, and I suspect running is what's keeping me from cracking up entirely. (I am doing other things about the stress, too, obviously. Running isn't the only thing I'm doing, I just think it's important.)

Ok, I'll have to do something else tomorrow and let everything rest. I'm sure you're right, running is getting harder and harder.

I will almost certainly end up with Saturday off, anyway, too. But I don't think I can keep going until then without a break.

Could you go for a gentle, low-impact swim instead of a run? The buoyancy of the water's very good for you and I find swimming quite a good stress-reliever. It is important to let your muscles rest so you don't damage them but a gentle pilates session won't hurt I'm sure.

Gym instructor said its best to do one day Cardio one day toning up with weights.

I couldn't do cardio every other day, that just wouldn't be enough.

I might try swimming, but I'm not generally a fan (I wear glasses, for one thing). A walk would probably do me good, as a change.

I simply can't run everyday. My calf muscles hurt too much. Might be OK if I did more shorter runs but I find it hard to find the time everyday.

Walking on your days off sounds like a good idea. Do you do yoga - stretches out the long muscles that you need for running.

I agree about stress. Running eases everything beautifully and helps me sleep better.

Pilates is as close as I get to yoga. I do find it quite calming, and will use it tomorrow night if I'm having trouble calming down for bed.

Ha ha ha.

Our bed broke, so I am spending a lot of time lying on my back under it trying to fix it, and fighting with drills etc etc, getting a whole other level of workout. Mostly upper body, at least ... and if I get it done tonight, then I won't have to still be doing it tomorrow ...