Tips on how to take rest days?

Hey guys,

This is something I really struggle with myself and I’m guessing a lot of you do as well. Going from sending hard and feeling on top of the world to then forcing yourself to dial it back because your body is screaming out in need of a rest day flat out sucks. I’ve tried compensating with other activities like running or biking on days that I don’t climb but I push myself so far with those that it’s not really an active rest day at all, just another training day. I realize this isn’t conducive to a good training regimen but on those days where I do cut all activity I feel like my body is so off that I can’t even properly relax because I get antsy.

If any of you guys have tips on how to properly rest up send em’ this way because I could use them right about now

Pick up fly fishing 

Find a job? Sitting and typing on a computer is quite 'restful'.

Don't worry, as you get older the pain and soreness will dictate your activities for you.
I had a very hard (for me) workout yesterday, legs and back, and today I had trouble bending over to put on my socks. My ass is so tight I had trouble sitting on the hard benches of the train coming into work   

I know about the crawling out of your skin from inactivity, a long walk or hike is probably enough to take care of them.  If you live in Boulder, there is a ton of places to hike, do that.

Ha I would disagree with that Phil...nothing more draining than stressful or boring jobs.  Most pro trainers seem to advocate for “active recovery” days, so lying prone for 24 hours isn’t the answer.  Moderate aerobic exercise is a good idea, but like you said, it’s easy to push it too far, which is counterproductive.  Have you tried using a heart rate monitor?  The key seems to be to stay in the lipolytic zone (nose breathing, still able to carry on a conversation but breaking a mild sweat), which will keep your muscles warm and blood pumping without getting you sore.

Ted Pinson wrote: Ha I would disagree with that Phil...nothing more draining than stressful or boring jobs.

That’s very different.  Exploring something you are genuinely interested in is not the same as doing “work” for another person, which was what I pictured from your original response.  Most people I know who sit at a computer all day for work don’t exactly describe it as “restful.”

andrew.reed wrote: Pick up fly fishing 

This helps you relax and it makes your wallet super light weight. 

volunteer...

There are some great scrambles in the Flatirons.

The right core exercises can be low impact for rest days.

Same with stretching. Although I believe that works better if done daily. 

I like to drink too much, and then be too hungover to exercise the next day. Everyone is different though.

Netflix

b o n g r i p s

One day you will get old, and then it would be harder to push yourself to go hard on the climbing days, but the rest days won't be a problem at all!
(Or so I've been told...)   

Lin Robinson wrote: Netflix

And chill?  Not sure if that counts as “resting.”

Climbing is a rest day from work.

Walk.

Noah Yetter wrote: Walk.

re....spect....

If its been a huge summit day or big alpine climb I opt for laundry, library and swimming day.  other rest days usually involve hikeing and swimming. hike to that lake and swim.  4 to 6 miles is a about perfect for me but not enough for Isa. My worst rest day was 16 miles. did 12k one time in sandals on a rest day... cold water is good for the aching bones....

If you are simply antsy, long walks, a lap on the second Flatiron, a swim or a long easy bike ride are good rest day activities. But, when I first read your question, it seemed more like a question about your psyche, rather than a simple request for an alternate activity. Climbing, and other strenuous skill sports, have an addictive quality. When you are succeeding on a hard route or boulder problem, if feels like you are succeeding at life. It's really hard to step away. Maybe you need to practice simply being alone with yourself. On Boredom A Google search yields many results.

This is addictive behavior. Find the equivalent of Antabuse.

Maybe watch hours of extremely boring, unedited GoPro climbing video with lots of discussion of feelings about the moves.