Cardio question
 

I know about resting muscles for strength training, but does one really need a rest day from cardio? I have been taking one because that's what THEY say you're supposed to do. I don't like it though. I would really rather do something on Sundays too. If I'm not doing the exact same things every single day, I really don't understand why I am supposed to take a day off. Do I really have to?

I give myself a day or two of rest every week and definitely take a day off in between strength training days, but I do at least 5-6 days of cardio every week, most of them consecutive.

I would just go with how your body feels. If you feel as though you can run, run. If not, take a brisk walk....The only time when it is good to take a day off is when you are weight training, as your muscles need time to rebuild themselves.

I've wondered the same thing myself. There are plenty of weeks where I don't take any days off because then, there are times when I have to (like when I get sick or my kids are sick). It ends up averaging out to taking time off. I also have days when I don't have as much energy so I still workout, but instead of taking a day off, I just really take it easy. I need to be active every day or else it effects my mood a whole lot. I agree with the above post....go with how you feel best, but just make sure you're not pushing yourself too hard or it can backfire (with an injury or something).

I have days where I take it significantly easier (slower and shorter) but I rarely take a day off intentionally. I wait until kids & life force the issue.

I'd start by taking a walk on Sunday and see how that affects your workouts the next week, especially towards the end of the week.

I find that I have more energy with daily workouts as long as 1-2 a week are lighter.

I go by how I feel as well. Sometimes I can really feel the fatigue from to many days of exercise in a row and will take the day off grudingly but come back the next day feeling stronger and more motivated to keep it up. I think it is probably okay to do some light walking or cycling anytime.

I have no plans of trying to never take a day off again. I just really hate forcing myself to take a day off when I feel like I'd rather be at the gym or outside jogging or something. Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I am going to stop forcing my off days.

Good for you. For awhile, I was doing spin class every day of the week, plus throwing in weights 3 days a week. I just felt like I needed to work out that hard (relationship stuff, you know?) People thought I was crazy and friends thought I would hurt myself. I asked my doctor and she said it was probably better for me than seeing a therapist.

Keep doing what feels good to you.

It's a good thing to take a day off. Sometimes I take two days when I feel burnt out.