Gimme A Break.

I know. It's been awhile since I've updated the ol' Climb. But before I extend my sincerest apologies to my legions of fans for the obvious hiatus, let me take a brief digression and ponder the very concept of taking a break.

In a world that is constantly telling us to move faster, I stand firm in the belief that rest is imperative, however difficult to admit, to one's physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Taking a break as it pertains to exercise, helps to restore the body, nourish the muscles and improve cell function after a tough workout. Let me impart a little science...

When you workout, your muscle fibers breakdown, and then all the elements lost must be replaced (proteins, energy stores, etc.) in order for the muscle to repair itself. The tiny cells inside your muscles shred as you work. The harder you work, the more the muscle degrades. This isn't a bad thing; this is what needs to happen in order for your muscles to ultimately grow. They break, come together, and create new, stronger fibers. And we all know, the more muscle we have, the less room there is for fat. Ta-da!

When we rest our bodies it allows for our cells to repair and grow. Ergo, rest is essential. Typically, a day or two off between workouts, namely weight training workouts, is necessary for proper cell regeneration and ultimate muscle growth. Your body needs approximately 24-48 hours to completely rejuvenate itself before you jump back on the wagon.

This kind of rest is great for the body. There are other times when rest is your only option. Here are a few times where your body is yelling at you for a break:

1. You're sick from the head up: Any ailment that happens from the neck to the top of the head should send a signal that you need some rest. This includes sore throats, sinus infections, migraines, or ear infections. Working out during this time will likely make it worse.

2. You have gone more than three nights without solid sleep: Lack of sleep lowers the immune system and by exercising you put yourself at a higher risk to attract germs. Get some sleep!

3. Something really hurts: If you have a legitimate injury, working out will make it worse. If you're sore from last night's Wii Dance-A-Thon, get to the gym.

If you experience any or all of these situations, you may consider taking a breather from the exercise routine.

Listening to your body, paying attention to what it needs and relinquishing your stubbornness (you know who you are) will make you healthier in the long run. When you feel better, get back into the groove.

Break is over.

Keep Climbing,
ELD