Rest More, Exercise Less, Get Better (Posts by Robyn)

The idea that exercising less and resting more will give better results will initially seem like something that couch potatoes will say to justify their habits. But several studies have pointed to the benefits of letting your body enjoy sufficient time to rest and recover.

Longevity Is More Important

Intense workouts on a daily basis will eventually – sooner than later, for that matter – take their toll on the muscles and joints. Yes, working out long and hard every day will yield obvious results, such as the coveted six-pack abs in men, but it increases the risk of injury and illness over time. Plus, it leads to consistently high level of cortisol, the stress hormone that will eventually also take their toll on your body.

Think about it for a while: Would you rather get your coveted six-pack abs yet jeopardize your health or enjoy a healthier mind and body while also living longer? Your choice between the two will determine whether you will choose intense daily workouts or moderate daily exercise.

If you choose the second option, then you’re on to something good! You can work hard, break a sweat, and enjoy a lean and mean physique without slowly killing your body. You will find these things in workouts like barre, yoga, and boxing.

Sleep Is More Important, Too

Why wake up at 5 a.m. to drag yourself to the nearest Anytime Fitness gym and then feel crappy about it afterwards? You should consider sleeping in on certain days so you can let your body enjoy its rest period, a must when you’re building muscle. You will also feel less cranky about waking up too early when your body says otherwise.

Did you know that there’s even a gym in the United Kingdom that combines exercising and napping in a single session? Basically, the participants begin and end their workout with a range of tension-relieving dynamic stretching exercises and in between take a 45-minute nap. The sleep component makes sense because people experiencing weight gain, for example, even with sensible diet and exercise habits are likely losing out on sleep.

This isn’t to say that you should be spending more time sleeping through the day. Instead, you should consider whether you’re getting sufficient sleep during the night and then make adjustments, as needed.

In the end, sleep including the rest and recovery measures taken during the day can make or break your results. You should always listen to your body instead of pushing it further and farther lest you suffer from a physical breakdown.