"Permanence, perseverance, and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities; it is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak"
-Thomas Carlyle
Website: Energy bars are a huge athlete fad right now. While nature provides foods that will equally fuel your body for a work out, energy bars do provide a great source of carbs and electrolytes. If you do choose to indulge make sure you know the facts...
While in training for my marathon, rest days were considered just as important as long run days. It provided REST and gave me ENERGY to push through the next week's push. Resting is equally as important for everyones workout schedule. I know it sounds crazy but a day off can help give you the boost you need to reach your goals sooner.
Overtraining-common in strength training, but is often seen in athletic excercises. It is the physical condition in which the volume of exercise overcomes the individual's recovery phase. It can cease progress and actually cause a decrease in fitness
Symptoms of overtaining:
-persistent muscle soreness
-persistent fatigue
-elevated resting heart rate
-increased susceptibility to illness
-increased injuries
-irritability
-depression
-mental breakdown
Long Lasting Negative effects of overtraining:
-excessive weight loss and loss of body fat
-decreased muscular strength
-inability to complete workouts
-insomnia
-loss of appetite
-loss of motivation
-early onset of fatigue during performance
-decreased aerobic capacity
-delayed recovery
Rest days are absolutely crucial. Obviously this will vary from individual, and too many rest days are not necessary or beneficial. Many experts advise one to two rest days a week in which muscles have a chance to heal. Weight bearing exercises cause millions of little tears throughout the muscles worked and these need to heal in order for your body to have the strength to complete the activity. Again, listen to your body, extreme fatigue or soreness can be indication of a need for rest.
Make sure that during the week you are alternating between hard and lighter activity days and between cardio and strength exercises. Also, it is often an effective way to switch between different muscle groups-for example, focusing on the chest one day and quads the next.
Be sure to work hard but REST is a vital technique for strength building!
Remember..."REST FOR SUCCESS",
Megan :)
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