Relax and Recharge on Your Next Rest Day

It can be hard to find time for rest and relaxation in our busy lives. But taking a day off from the gym or exercise is crucial for our physical and mental health. Use this guide to make the most of your next day off from the gym, and feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

What is a rest day and why do we need them?

A rest day is simply a day where you don’t go to the gym or exercise. This doesn’t mean you have to spend the day lounging on the couch – although that can be part of it. A rest day is also an opportunity to focus on other aspects of self-care, such as stretching, foam rolling, and eating healthy foods. It’s important to take at least one day off from exercise each week, so your body can recover and repair itself.

running out of battery

Foods to eat on your rest day

On your rest day, you should focus on eating foods that will help your body recover. This means plenty of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Some specific foods that are great for recovery include:

  • Salmon – is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce inflammation
  • Blueberries – high in antioxidants, which help reduce free radical damage
  • Spinach – is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are important for tissue repair
  • Quinoa – a complete protein that contains all the essential amino acids your body needs

Light stretches

Just because you’re not working out doesn’t mean you should completely neglect your muscles. Light stretching on your rest day can help increase blood flow and reduce stiffness and soreness. Try some of these simple stretches:

Housework

You don’t have to spend your whole day resting – you can still get up and move around! Something like vacuuming the house or doing some light yard work is a great way to get some movement without overdoing it. It can even be a healthy way to loosen your sore muscles.

Self-care

Your rest day is the perfect opportunity to focus on some self-care practices that you might not have time for during the week. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or mani-pedi. Or take a long bath, read your favourite book, or take a nap. Whatever makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated!

Muscle balms

If you’re feeling particularly sore, try using a muscle balm or cream to help relieve pain and inflammation. Look for products that contain ingredients like Arnica or CBD oil, which are known to reduce swelling and discomfort when rubbed onto your muscles. Many also feature cooling agents like menthol, which can help soothe tired muscles.

Get ready for the next day

Once your rest day is coming to an end, start thinking about what you’ll do tomorrow. Get your workout clothes ready, lay out your equipment, and make a plan for your next workout. This way, you can hit the ground running – or lifting, or swimming – as soon as your alarm goes off!

Get a Sports Massage

Whether you participate in frequent physical activities, sit at a desk for hours each day, or perform monotonous jobs on a daily basis, Sports Massage may assist. We have a specialized treatment room for sports massage at Beckwith Health Club in Harrogate, where we provide an excellent therapeutic treatment to help both prevent and rehabilitate injuries.

Resting for a better tomorrow

A rest day is a time to recharge your body and mind. Give yourself permission to take it easy. What’s important is that you listen to your body and give it the rest it needs to come back stronger than before.

If you’re looking for an excellent gym to help you reach your fitness goals, look no further than Beckwith Health Club in Harrogate. Our staff are passionate about helping members achieve their best possible selves, and we have a wide variety of equipment and classes to accommodate everyone. Did you know? Our 30-day P.A.Y.G membership has no contract! So what are you waiting for? Sign up today!