I had a pretty good week this past week.

I really wanted to pump it up so I alternated days.  One day I either ran 3k or I power walked 3k (I actually only walked once), then the next day I would do some strength training.  So all in all I got in three cardio and three strength days, this is on top of my regular walks to and from school.  Which are ending in a few weeks for the summer, so I will definitely need to keep up the workouts.

Other than my muscles being very sore, I really felt good.  Especially since my girlfriend and I polished off that Monkey Bread.

Which brings me to todays exercise.  Rest.  I am sharing rest with you for two reasons this week, one is that today I had to rest my muscles and two J was busy at a friends house so my photographer was absent.

If you are working out every day it is extremely important for you to take one day of rest for your muscles.  When you work out your muscles actually breakdown, losing protein.  As much as it is important to replace that protein after working out, with a protein shake, some peanut butter or a whole protein enriched meal, it is also important for you to rest your muscles so they can repair in their own time. Not resting them can also increase your risk of injury which would derail your workouts all together. Resting your muscles actually helps build muscle mass. If you do not rest, then your muscles will actually get smaller instead of larger.

All athletes take a rest day so you should too. Of course, if you want to go for a light walk on your day of rest, that is fine just be sure to not push yourself too far on that day.

Now to keep it up the alternating for another week.