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Resting should be held with the same importance of training because it is an equal part of the total process required to build strength, endurance and muscle. Working out breaks down body tissues causing microscopic tears to the muscle. Rest days allow your muscles, nerves, bones and connective tissue time to rebuild. The rest needed for this regeneration process allows the tissue to rebuild and grow back stronger. Water, food, possible supplements and sleep are all vital components to this rest period.
In fact, during REM sleep, the body’s production of growth hormone increases, aiding in the repairing and rebuilding of muscles post-workout.
Furthermore, inadequate rest may also lead to over-training syndrome.
Side effects of this include: -decreased performance -fatigue -altered hormonal states -poor sleeping patterns -reproductive disorders -decreased immunity -loss of appetite -mood swings
Biomechanically, lack of rest time to heal tissues also leads to overuse injuries including tendonitis, fractures, strains, bursitis, shin splints, etc., etc.
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