Don’t Underestimate Value of Rest

Question: Is it OK for me to do muscle tone exercises such as crunches, squats and lunges every day?

JILL

La Mesa

Answer: You should allow at least 48 hours of rest for each muscle group regardless of what you are using as your resistance tool (free weights, machines, resistance bands or body weight). Generally speaking, muscle growth occurs as a result of microscopic tears being made to the muscle fibers. These tiny tears are made when the muscles work above and beyond what they are accustomed to. The tears are repaired naturally by our bodies when we are in the “rest” phase. By not allowing the muscles that necessary break-in action, they’re never given the opportunity to make these repairs.

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Stephanie Oakes is the fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel and a health/fitness consultant. Send questions to stephoakes@aol.com. She cannot respond to every query.