ACTIVITY IDEAS FOR ACTIVE REST DAYS
As fitness enthusiasts, it can often be challenging to take rest days. When you love going to the gym so much, a day without it seems sooo boring!
However, rest is mandatory for growth, progress, proper recovery, improvement, and overall life quality. In this article, we talk about ideas of activities or things you can do on rest days to stay active (if you want to, of course!) and allow your body to recover.
1. Go for a walk
Walking is a great way to stay active without putting a lot of stress on your body. It is even a great way to help you recover by avoiding being too sedentary.
You can walk on a treadmill or you can go for a walk outside! Adjust your pace and distance depending on your schedule and on your other daily activities. If you have a long work day, seated at a desk, you might feel like walking for longer than if your day is busy with active tasks.
You can also try going on a walk with a friend! It's a great way to spend time with people you love while being active.
2. Plan an outdoor activity
Every season has its charm, and active rest days are perfect to try some new outdoor activities all year long. Here is a list of things you can do outside, during different times of the year :
- Fruit picking : this can be apples, strawberries, blueberries, prunes, raspberries, pears, or even pumpkins! ;
- Hiking ;
- Rollerblading ;
- Bike riding ;
- Skiing ;
- Swimming ;
- Playing sports : tennis, football, volleyball, pickleball, hockey... ;
- Figure skating...
3. Do some stretching or light yoga
Doing some deep stretching or yoga can really be beneficial for your mobility, as well as for your recovery. Your body will thank you!
If you don't know where to start, try looking up some follow-along YouTube videos. Grab a mat, get into your comfiest clothes, and simply listen to the instructor.
Relaxing both your body and your mind will help you calm down your nervous system, which plays a huge role in your overall health. Try doing it in the morning to feel refreshed for the day, or at night to get ready for a good night of sleep.
4. Get your chores done!
This is the ideal day to get all your chores done : meal prep, clean, do your laundry, go grocery shopping, and get ready for the upcoming days. Doing these things will make your day fly by and it will make you feel super productive and motivated for the days ahead!
Overview
Active rest days are a great way to allow your body to recover and still move your body in ways that feel good. Our goal with this article was to show you some ideas on how to spend your rest days, so you don't miss the gym too much!