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Rest days come in two forms: There’s the one you can’t wait for, and the one you’d rather skip so you can get back to the gym! As you get increasingly serious about your training and goals, you’ll experience both types many times. Here’s how to navigate them:



What to do on a much-needed rest day:

What to do when you don’t want to rest:

  • Any of the stuff listed above, including doing nothing.
  • Make fitness fun! Play a sport with friends, do something active you wouldn’t normally do, or try a new activity or low-intensity fitness class.
  • Take the approach recommended by Nick Tumminello, Bodybuilding.com contributor and creator of the True Muscle program: One day of full rest each week is mandatory. Any others can be "active rest" days of low-impact cardio, swimming, walking, hiking, or yoga. If you must go to the gym, then do a "bro" day of arms and abs.

No matter what you do, don’t do too much, too hard. Your time in a program is sacred, so focus on healing up and coming back strong!

Day 34 | Main | Day 36

About the Author

Heather Eastman, NSCA-CPT

Heather Eastman, NSCA-CPT

Heather’s mission is to use her passion for fitness and her knowledge of training and nutrition to educate and motivate others to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.

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