Why Runners Need a Rest Day Off

When just starting to run, most beginners get very excited about the prospect of becoming more fit, getting healthy and the high of running. There are many programs that teach you how to build your mileage, when to run, how to run and more. Most of the programs also provide you with off days during your first steps into running. But, do you know why runners need a rest day off?

There are many reasons why runners need a rest day off. Regardless of the reason that you have taken up running, taking a day off of running has benefits that will take you to more intermediate and advanced running. Let's take a look at some of the key purposes giving your body down time from running.

First, injury prevention. When you just start running, your body is not prepared for the rigors of exercise. This is true of any exercise, but more so with running. Your body can only take so much trauma. I'm not saying that running causes trauma to your body, but it can be hard on your muscles and joints. So, give them time to recover from each run. Taking a day a rest will allow the muscles and joints to repair themselves for the next run.

The next major reason for giving your body the time off seems backwards, but trust me, it works. You need to give your body the chance to build more muscle and give your lungs the chance to build up endurance. How will this be accomplished when you are not on the roads or trail? Simple, muscle fibers need get broken down when you run. By giving them rest, they repair and build up. When they do so, they actually build up stronger and leaner than before.

So, to ensure you that you have a great start to your running career, consider rest. Rest for your body will help you stay injury free, maintain energy levels and build your strength.