Like many people I believed that exercise was all about exerting myself to the point of exhaustion and a pool of sweat. This is definitely the healthiest and quickest ways to lose weight.
It helps you burn the largest number of calories in a short amount of time. It is the best way to keep yourself physically fit.
However, I did not have time to squeeze in a workout every day. I tried to use a gym membership, but it went to waste because I did not have the time to get to the gym and to workout.
I had to figure out a way to exercise without wasting all my time. That is precisely why I did everything I could to figure out an at-home routine. Over time I discovered that the beginning pieces of equipment that I bought were all that I needed to lose all my weight.
I put together a home gym in a box, which later became my “Ultimate 5 Piece Home Gym in a Box.” This small box was great news for me…
I no longer had to make time to get to the gym, I could lose weight from the comfort of my own home. I was doing a great job too.
I was seeing progress every week, then I hit a wall. I simply did not feel like exercising any more. I was finding that I was too tired to exercise.
So, being me I read books and searched online to find out why. What I discovered surprised me, and will most likely surprise you too.
Did you know that you need to do more than exercise to lose weight?
I discovered nutrition and rest are two other key factors in effectively losing weight.
I researched both of these. Although I thought I was eating pretty well, I was not eating as well as I should have been; but, I am going to leave this story for another day.
Today I want to share with you the second thing that I learned…
YOU NEED REST TO LOSE WEIGHT! YOUR BODY NEEDS REST!
Ensuring that you have enough rest in conjunction with all the exercise you do through random physical activities and planned workouts will tremendously help you become healthier and lose the weight more quickly.
I am willing to bet that your life is quite stressful. Most people live a stressful life full of appointments, meetings, and family obligations. The more stress you have in your life, the harder it is to lose weight.
When you are able to relax you actually improve your chances of losing weight because you are reducing your stress levels. On top of relaxing, it is important that you get adequate amounts of sleep. Sleep plays a huge role in how much rest your body has. Without sleep your body releases more stress chemicals and increase the chance of making poor nutritional and physical choices.
You will be more likely to binge and eat that whole bag of potato chips. You are also more likely to skip your next workout. Neither of these aid in weight loss. They only hinder your success.
Based on these findings I discovered that it is actually best to schedule rest days. You do not have to take the day off completely. I know for me, if I take a whole day off it is more difficult for me to get back into a routine. Instead use your rest day to do physical activity that is less strenuous.
Instead of going for a run, take a walk. Instead of completing that hardcore kickboxing routine, complete a yoga or Pilates workout.
Your rest day is a great day to schedule that family trip to the zoo. Think of all the walking you will do without feeling like you are doing a tough workout. Remember to get creative with your workouts.
If you continue to complete tough, strenuous workouts without rest you will be doing more damage to your body than good. Without proper rest your body is unable to repair itself.
My gift to you is day of rest. TAKE IT!
If you have not done so already, download my “Ultimate 5 Piece Home Gym in a Box” to begin building your perfect at-home workout.
Everyday Extraordinary Mompreneur 