Why is planning rest days important in training?

Planning rest days is essential in training because it contributes significantly to overall performance improvement. During exercise, particularly resistance training or high-intensity workouts, muscles experience microscopic tears. Rest days allow time for these muscles to recover and rebuild, which is critical for muscle growth and strength gains.

Moreover, adequate recovery helps to mitigate fatigue, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance mental focus during workouts. As a result, incorporating rest days into a training plan ensures that the body can perform at its best during subsequent training sessions, ultimately leading to better results over time. Without appropriate rest, the body may not fully recover, which can plateau progress or lead to a decline in performance.