Making time and prioritizing rest is just as important to me as scheduling my workouts throughout the week. Having some pre-determined active rest days helps keep me motivated through the week to work hard during my workouts knowing I will have some relaxation. Here are my top 5 favorite active rest day activities right now!
1. Go On A Walk
I love taking a walk through the neighborhood on an active rest day! I have a small dog who doesn’t do long walks very well, so we usually make it about half a mile before she’s done. My favorite part of taking a walk is leaving my phone at home and spending time outside with no distractions. Walking helps me stretch out my legs when they’re sore and help facilitate recovery. Whether it is short or long, I highly suggest a good walk for your active rest day!
2. Enjoy A Bike Ride
Aubrey and I both really like to ride bikes, so this is another favorite active rest day activity for me. Whether we ride through the neighborhood or load up and spend some time riding on a trail, this is a great activity. We usually choose a fairly easy path if we ride outside of the neighborhood because this is still a rest day activity. If you want to amp this up and make it a workout instead, ride for longer or choose a harder trail!
3. Take A Yoga Class
Don’t get me wrong here, I have taken many yoga classes that I would not consider rest! But, a good slow flow or stretch yoga class is a longtime favorite of mine for an active rest day activity. I get so much peace and relaxation out of a class designed like this and always feel so great afterwards! Most yoga studios also offer a first class free discount, so it’s an awesome opportunity to explore a new fitness option. If you’re in the Knoxville area, check out my post on YogaSix and their different class options!
4. Head To The Pool
Since we’re here in the middle of summer, spending a day at the pool is another great active rest day activity. You have the awesome benefit of getting to soak up lots of great Vitamin D, while also remembering to wear your sunscreen! We also have a blast throwing a ball in the water or having a competition on who can swim the farthest with one big breath. Swimming is an awesome, low impact way to be good to your body so you could even throw in a few easy laps if you felt like it!
5. Do Nothing At All
This probably sounds silly when talking about an active rest day, but sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to intentionally do nothing! I recently got an Oura ring (review on that soon!) and there is lots of great educational info on how giving yourself true inactive, rest time can be greatly beneficial. Whether it’s sleeping in, taking a bubble bath, or resting on the couch binging your new favorite show, don’t feel guilty for taking that special time for yourself!
What are your favorite active rest day activities? Leave them in the comments down below!