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How to maximise your rest days even when you’re totally wrecked

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Work hard. Rest hard.
Work hard. Rest hard.

Rest days: To rest or not to rest? Me: I feel absolutely wrecked. Also me: must get my 300 vitality points today. Sound familiar?

Here’s the low-down on rest days from women whose job it is to be active…

Eat healthily

"Make sure on your off-days that you are actually pumping your weakened body back up for the next round! Even though I’m not working out, I still eat healthily because healthy food equals a healthy body." – Dayna Nienaber, pro motocross racer

Read more: The 5 best ways to treat sore muscles, according to the pros

Get outside

"On top of whatever training I do, I also try to go outside for a half-hour power walk every morning. If I don’t go for a walk, I like to go to the gym for some active recovery in the form of foam rolling and stretching. But it’s important to listen to your body. Some days you just need a pure rest day – cheat meals, Netflix and all!" – Michelle Hayward, pro kitesurfer

Read more: These are 4 of the best fat-burning workouts

Take it easy

"During the week I have an active recovery workout after a hard day of training. That usually consists of swimming, a slow jog or a nice, easy bike ride. I also believe in training six days a week and then resting completely on the seventh day." – Hanneke´ Dannhauser, champion obstacle course racer

This article was originally published on www.womenshealthsa.co.za

Image credit: iStock 

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