Know when it's time to take 5

So it’s two months into the year and you’ve stuck with your New Year’s resolution to exercise more and have become a real gym-bunny. Which is great, exercising is fantastic for you in so many ways. But – there is always a but – as with everything, moderation is key.

If your gym routine is starting to feel a bit much for you, or if your form is starting to suffer, it could very well be time to take a short rest period.

One thing eager exercisers often forget is that your body actually reaps the benefits of your exercise during rest, not during the actual exercise. So if you’re not giving your muscles enough time to repair and replenish, not only will you take longer to see results, but you put yourself at risk for injury.

‘But I don’t want to stop!’ Yes, we know, and that’s just dandy except that we’re not telling you to stop exercising altogether and sit on the couch for a few days eating chips and watching re-runs on TV.

Don’t underestimate the importance of active rest. Just because you’re not sweating up a storm at the gym doesn’t mean your daily activities can’t count as exercise. Just put a little more effort into things you do everyday – play a little more vigorously with your kids, walk a little faster around the shops, do a few short exercises at your desk at work or between advert breaks on TV in the evening.

Exercise is exercise, as long as you’re moving, it’s all good.

How do you keep busy on your rest days? E-mail us at community@health24.com