Training
The case for rest days
Fitness is built when you recover, not when you run. Why rest is the most underrated part of training.
Daniel Reyes
· 4 min read
Training breaks your body down. Rest is when it rebuilds stronger. Skip rest, and you are just accumulating fatigue.
How much rest
Most recreational runners benefit from at least one full rest day a week. Newer runners should aim for two.
Active recovery
Walking, easy cycling, yoga, and mobility work all count. Keep it gentle enough that you could hold a conversation the whole time.
Listen to the signs
A resting heart rate 5 or more beats above normal, poor sleep, or heavy legs on easy runs are all signals to take an extra day off.
