Is it bad to work out every day?

[lukegr]

I've read that when working out, you are only supposed to work out every other day, so that your muscles recover the day you aren't working out. Is it really bad to work out every day, and what is so bad about it?

 

Thanks

[serene56]

Working the same muscle group every day is not good. Walking is good every day. thats cardio- Doing leg excercises EVERY day the muscles dont have time to repair. Working on the leg group one day and the arms/upper body the next day gives muscles time to rebuild after you tear them down.

[Nliedel]

If you are taking an aerobics class you can do it every day, about an hour. If you are running you need to take at least one day off a week. Same for biking. Swimming every day is OK. Weightlifting take a day off between each muscle group, Chest one day, legs the next.

[lukegr]

In terms of weight lifting, will taking a day off in between build muscle faster than weight lifting every day?

[serene56]

If weight lifting every day---all you will do is make your muscles hurt.. you didnt give them a chance to build up.

[WeirdEyes]

In terms of weight lifting, will taking a day off in between build muscle faster than weight lifting every day?

Yes!

[rambill]

As a former weightlifter, I can tell you that you definitely need to rest a muscle group, especially if you are doing a high weight, low rep type of workout. You can get away with every day if you are doing low weights/high reps. If you are going the body builder route, take plenty of vitamins and DO NOT take any supplements! They are a waste of money. Eat a lot of protein and, more importantly, COLLAGEN rich foods (like jello). They help rebuild muscle. When you are doing a heavy weight type of workout you are actually breaking down muscle fibers and building up lactic acid between the bundles which is the reason for the rest period - to give the body the opportunity to rebuild the individual fibers and flush out the lactic acid. DRINK A LOT OF WATER!!!!! If you are doing a low weight/high rep type of workout, a lot fewer fibers are being broken down and, in fact, are actually being strengthened. Less lactic acid is created as well. A well balanced workout regimen would be something like this:

 

Week One Heavy/Low: Mon, Wed, Fri - Chest/back/arms/shoulders. Tue, Thur, Sat - Legs and abs. Sun - day off

 

Week Two Light/High: Mon - Sat all groups - no more than 20 reps/set, weight decreasing for each set - 3 sets max.

[LLindaC]

Nobody mentioned the risk of injury and overuse. I don't know many trainers who put people on high weight low rep regimens. In fact, I know a few who do the very few reps and ultra slow lifting only. It is important that your muscles have time to rest to avoid injury. And high protein diets do not help your muscle building; that has been proven. Your body needs adequate protein for muscle repair and bodily functions, but excess is excreted by the kidneys and can cause water loss, kidney problems and bone loss. Get a good balance of nutrients from all the food groups.

I don't think it's bad to work out every day as long as you listen to your body. You can alternate activities and make your body better balanced and enjoy your fitness routine more. However, if you are tired or feel ill, you should refrain. Being tired causes you to train improperly and use sloppy form. Sometimes, you need a break! Great athletes some times put in stunning performances after a few weeks' break.