Rest days. Everyone says it’s their favorite day but how do you know when to take one? Scientifically, when your Central Nervous System (CNS) is worn out or fatigued, it can have various effects on your overall well-being and performance. The CNS plays a crucial role in coordinating and regulating all voluntary and involuntary bodily functions. It is interictal in how your body feels and if you are recovered enough to workout. Here are some signs that your body may need a rest day from the gym. These signs can vary from person to person, but common indicators include:
- Muscle Fatigue:
If your muscles feel consistently sore, fatigued, or weak, it might be a sign that they need time to recover. - Decreased Performance:
If you notice a decline in your performance, such as struggling with weights you usually handle easily or feeling unusually fatigued during your workout, it could be a sign to take a break. - Persistent Fatigue:
If you’re feeling excessively tired or fatigued even after a good night’s sleep, your body may need additional rest. - Irritability and Mood Changes:
Overtraining can impact your mood and lead to irritability, mood swings, or feelings of depression. Listen to your body and emotions. - Increased Resting Heart Rate:
An elevated resting heart rate may indicate that your body is under stress, possibly due to overtraining. - Persistent Aches and Pains:
If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, not related to a specific injury, it might be a sign to give your body a break. - Insomnia:
Overtraining can disrupt sleep patterns. If you’re having trouble sleeping, it could be a sign that your body needs more recovery time.
Some of these signs can be from poor sleeping habits as well as poor nutrition habits. When looking at these, you can easily use them as excuses to NOT go to the gym. Try to make sure these apply and listen to your body!
