Rest doesn't mean you're not active; active rest allows the body to heal. It's a great opportunity for you to cross train. For example, if you're a runner, once a week take a day to do an easy bike ride with your family.
What Happens if You Don't Rest?
If you continue training without giving your body adequate rest, you run the risk of injury.
Overtraining is a condition that occurs when a person's workout volume and intensity exceeds their body's ability to recover from it. This affects the athlete physically, behaviorally and emotionally; and can set their progress back dramatically.
More: 5 Cross-Training Ideas
Some symptoms of overtraining are:
- Chronic muscle soreness that doesn't heal or go away
- Weight loss/muscle loss
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased immune system
- No motivation or competitive drive
- Heart palpitations
- Depression
- Delayed recover
- Prone to injury
- Poor physical performance despite training
What is the cure for overtraining? Rest.
More: Iyengar: The Ideal Yoga for Athletes?
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