Rest days, you either love them or hate them...but what is the actual benefits behind having scheduled rest days with your fitness program?!? And of course, what supplements can help you recover quicker and make the most out of your rest days?!? 

Firstly, all good fitness programs whether they be for muscle building, fat loss, cardio or strength training will include a rest day or two. The purpose of taking a rest day is to recover and build muscle! Yes, you read right!! When we train, we are causing microscopic tears in our muscle tissue, it so then when we rest our cells begin to repair these tears. Resulting in tissue growing and stronger bigger muscles (https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/rest-day#benefits). 

Also, without adequate recovery, our entire musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and immune system can become compromised, which puts us at greater risk for injury, illness and fatigue (https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/make-the-most-of-your-rest-days.html). 

Here’s my list of supplements that help you make the most of your recovery and help get your body feeling rested quicker:  

~ Xtend Keto BHB is an ultimate ketogenic-support recovery supplement. Every serving of delivers branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) for muscle recovery and repair, along with GoBHB® Beta-Hydroxybutyrate salts to increase ketone levels, plus electrolytes to promote hydration. Get yours here https://baguiosports.com/products/xtend-keto-bhb-orange-mango?_pos=17&_sid=367879546&_ss=r 

 ~ Another great product to try is the range of FitAid drinks, as FitAid is made from key electrolytes and vitamins such as Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium which help to replenish what your body needs. Buy yours in-store or online at https://baguiosports.com/products/fitaid-recover?pr_prod_strat=collection_fallback&pr_rec_pid=4724) 

Our rest days don’t necessarily mean we can’t functionally move our bodies, it means rest from the focuses of your specific training or program. For example, if you're doing strength and conditioning training, taking up a Pilates class on rest day is an acceptable way to let those muscle recover while you still move in a functional way. Always check with your trainer to see if adding movement to your rest day is the best option for you!  

Also, it’s important to remember that your fitness schedule depends on your fitness goals, the number of rest days you have if you're becoming a lifter will vary to that of someone becoming a marathon runner!  

Try and keep this information in mind whenever you're struggling with your next rest day, as without the rest we can’t build muscle.  

Always feel free to pop into our Rockingham store to chat with the Baguio Sports team about how you can make the most of your rest days!!  

Cheers 

Hannah x