Exercise on rest days, some questions

[GaiaRunning]

Hi all,

So, for the summer, I've set a personal challenge to workout/do something physically active every day for 70 days. I'm a teacher and I haven't worked out regularly all year. Now that vacation has started, this is my plan, in order to get fit and lose weight. I've done 7 days.

I decided to start Get Running yesterday and it was awesome! I'm wondering what I can do on my off days that won't hinder my progress with Get Running.

Today I went on a really long, leisurely walk but I'm thinking of going swimming as well.

On off days, I'm thinking of walking, swimming, jump rope, badminton and/or arm/core strength training. Do these activities seem like they won't hinder my effort? I know walking, jump rope, swimming, and badminton will utilize my leg muscles, so I want to make sure it's all right. Plus walking doesn't get my heart rate up so I don't know how effective that is.

Thanks in advance!

[chipset]

That is commonly called cross training. Make sure your give your body one day of rest, without a lot of running or other strenuous exercise to help it recover and build muscle.

[Dawn]

Hi There - I'd plump for the lower impact sessions on your "rest "days so swimming, cycling. I walk everyday - even on run days because I have dogs, and they can no longer run with me.... It's a brilliant program and the Get Running App is excellent.

Dawn

[Monkey]

I go for a 1.5 mile walk every lunch hour - even on my run days, I just feel it loosens my muscles up - I don't power walk - but it takes me about 30 mins, so not bad, every little helps I reckon!

Luv
Monkey
xxxxxxx

[laurie]

I am thinking swimming. I hate rest days.... I just want it to be a running day!

[Mimsy Star Delux]

I agree, I think every little helps too!

I've taken to riding my Mary Poppins bike on none running days as it's not cardio (so I can manage it with my crappy sinus infection) but gets the blood pumping in the old legs!

Owt is better than nowt I reckon! X x