Rest for Optimum Performance. Really?

Toughness, discipline and dedication - all things to be admired in any facet of life. In an exercise or workout regime, whether it be for a recreational or elite athlete, the element of “rest” is just as important as the quality, type and duration of the workouts. Not getting enough or the right type of rest can result in hitting a plateau, mental and physical burnout, chronic fatigue or injury - all signs of physical and psychological overtraining.

The muscles, energy systems and mind need time to rebuild, regenerate and refuel, and these systems do their work while the body is at rest (and sleep), not while at training. There is no magic number to assign to how much rest is required as it’s as varied as the person and type of workouts. What works for one person will not necessarily work for the next, no matter if the activity is aerobic or anaerobic. There is no shame in the aspect and importance of rest and it is not a sign of defeat. The very qualities of dedication towards a training program are the same ones that produce the biggest feeling of guilt that one experiences when they take a day off and rest.

Finding what the body needs for optimum performance and results is key to preventing negative aspects that affect motivation and the ability to continue to work out. No matter what the goals are - Olympic champion, weight loss or overall health and fitness - rest and recovery is an essential part of improving sport performance (immediate recovery from intense training or long term recovery for year round training schedules.) High-level athletes especially need to realize that the greater the training intensity and effort, the greater the need for planned recovery. For all however, monitoring workouts, paying attention to how the body feels and the mind is motivated, are all helpful components in determining recovery needs and program modification. So rest guilt-free. It will do the mind, body and soul good!

SIRC’s newsletter this month is all about overtraining, burn out, chronic fatigue and overuse injuries, where excellent resources for all fitness and interest levels can be found.