There are many strong opinions out there about rest days that range from the very calculated and regimented, to none at all and everything in between.

It's important to know that rest days give your muscles time to repair. How intense your workouts are, injuries you may have, if you have a menstrual cycle or not, and how used to moving your body is, are all determining factors for what you need as far as rest is concerned.

 

Being a low impact girlie myself, who tries to navigate movement and wellness in general in very intentional, intuitive ways, I personally take rest days as needed. So some weeks I'll take a break every other day, while others, I'll go a 10+ days without rest. I can do this because…

 

1. I have been moving my body for a very long time and know my limits. Listening to your body is so important.

 

2. The majority of my movement practice is low impact. Barre is so easy on the joints and light lifting so it can be done every day. I plan for a few Pilates and low impact cardio sessions, a 3-5 mile walk, and only two 30 minute heavier strength sessions each week. If I were lifting really heavy or running multiple times a week, my body would need more rest days.

 

3. I'm still in recovery from a serious back injury. Lack of movement actually brings more pain and discomfort for my body. Daily movement is medicine for me and I feel worse when I don't schedule in a long stretch or 20 minute walk at the very least.