Benefits of Rest Periods for Muscle Growth

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It’s not rocket science that the human body needs to rest. Being restless may weaken your immune system, therefore increasing your risk of short-term, even up to long-term illnesses. The same goes when you go on with bodybuilding, strength training, sports, or any type of workout you prefer, without taking a break. It may make your body reach its weakest point.

One important reason you need to take a break is because you need to recover from all the fatigue you might have gotten over the past workouts. Here are more benefits of rest periods, as discussed on Men’s Fitness:

THE IMPORTANCE OF REST PERIODS

Although this may sound insane, hitting the gym is a lot more like visiting a comedy club than you might think. You need a good warm-up in both settings, there are plenty of fools to make fun of, and everyone you see is downing a drink of some type. But an even more important connection exists as well: “Like good comedy, when it comes to working out, timing is everything,” says Joe Stankowski, C.P.T., a trainer in Wilmington, Del. Read more…

For a more clear comparison of short and long term breaks, read this article written by exercise physiologist Bryan Haycock on Flex:

Rest Periods Between Sets

Are long or short rest periods best for growth? Read more…

So we already know the importance between sets, what about between workouts? Certified personal  trainer Mandy Ross breaks it down in this article on Live Strong:

How Much Rest Between Workouts for Muscle Growth?

Although easily accomplished, rest can be an often overlooked variable for muscle growth. In fact, inadequate rest between workouts can increase your chances for injury, while excessive rest can curtail possible fitness outcomes. Read more…

The benefits of rest periods, whether it’s between sets or workouts, are obvious. Your body needs to recover to cope up with the gains. There are instances that you may not notice or feel the exhaustion, but deep inside, your body is already shouting in pain. Working out can be addicting, but it may do more harm than good if you prolong the fatigue, without ever taking a break.

The recommended between sets may last up to 90 seconds. Between workouts, on the other hand, may be up to 2 days. It’s still better to listen to your body, though. Just like what Haycock said, “Rest periods should be manipulated just as you manipulate other important variables in your training plan.”

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