Today marks the end of Best Body Bootcamp Phase 3. And let me tell you – the past two weeks were tough! The workouts didn’t look like much on paper, but the combination of push and pull exercises and heavier weights was intense. And don’t even get me started on the full body high intensity circuit that included tricep push-up to frogger. Eek!
Let’s just say me feet were NOT right next to my hands!
These two weeks for me were more than just about new learning workouts and increasing my weights. Phase 3 actually taught me more about rest than anything else.
When I started BBB, I was so gung ho about following the plan to the very last detail. I was working out M-F and using Saturday as an active recovery day. This meant my only true rest day was Sunday. A day where I cleaned and ran errands…didn’t exactly feel like a rest day to me.
Over the past two weeks, I’ve learned that it’s ok to deviate from the plan and do what’s right for my body. For example, after exercising M-W, my body has no tolerance for cardio on Thursday. So now I rest on Thursday and Sunday. On those days, I’m able to get a little extra sleep and just relax. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I still feel strong, I’m still seeing results, and more than anything, I’m making the plan work for me.
Proper rest makes us stronger, helps our body heal itself, allows us to mentally relax, prepares us for things like frogger pushups (kind of!), energizes us, etc.
Bottom line – rest days should be built into your routine because by going hard every day you’re doing more harm than good – for your body and your mind. And everyone deserves a little rest!
Do you have a hard time resting? Are you a fan of rest days as well?
P.S. Be sure to check out Tina’s blog for new information about Round 6 of Best Body Bootcamp. It will now be starting on June 17th! And Tina’s upped the anti with lots of great new features. You don’t want to miss out!
Also, if you’re interested in my phase 1 and phase 2 recaps, be sure to check them out as well!