Do rest days mean rest from running, or everything?!

[HelsbelswhatamIdoing]

Doing Couch25b450. Running newbie (Wk 2) so this may be a dim question. Can I do other things on the rest days like cycling?

[beatricerose Graduate]

You definitely can! Anything thats cross-training- which basically is any form of exercise without running to cause impact on your legs- is really good for strengthening you and building fitness and will help improve your running

If you have gone from absolutely no fitness its always good to build gradually, but many other forms of exercise complement the program on 'rest' days.

[Hidden]

Any no/low impact exercise on 'rest' days is good, and will help your running in the long term. Cycling, swimming, yoga, pilates, rowing, weights etc. Are there enough days in the week ?

[HelsbelswhatamIdoing Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Goodo. I'm hoping the running will help build up my (currently feeble) stamina for my coastal rowing (when I actual manage to get out there, weather and family permitting). Tai chi is my other thing which I hope helps with flexibility, mobility and stability.

[Rignold]

Some strengthening exercises are good too: squats, lunges, calf raises etc are invaluable. Doesn't have to be massive numbers. 3 sets of 10, 3 times a week.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

A really good question! You are free to do another exercise because that still allows your running muscles to rest and recover while still increasing your aerobic fitness. However, maybe because I was pretty unfit and 52, I stopped all other exercise and really did rest between runs. I found as the run times increased, lying in bed with the electric blanket on helped my little legs recover! Now I have graduated, re-introduced step aerobics, walking, cycling and want to go swimming too. Depends on how you feel but the feeling of wanting to get out and about on a rest day means you could do something else instead! Julie

[HelsbelswhatamIdoing Graduate in reply to JoolieB1]

Great, thanks. I especially like the lying in bed with the electric blanket on bit!

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to HelsbelswhatamIdoing]

Had to do it today because my legs were groaning, feel good now. I don't understand people icing their muscles - brrr - no thanks. Julie

[HelsbelswhatamIdoing Graduate in reply to JoolieB1]

I'm doing it as I type! Even though I ran at 8am! Def no ice! Good luck with the aches...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Do some exercise, as everyone says..take the advice of the great folk below!

I am an old lady, so I did the NHS linked Strength and Flex podcasts on my non run days... ( to make sure the muscles did not get damaged)... still doing them now, alongside Couch to 5K+...

As Rignold says, the strengthening exercises really help..and the Strength and Flex podcasts are carefully structured...and it is still Laura!!!

I cycle and walk too, if the weather permits..!!! Go for it... Keep us posted too!

[HelsbelswhatamIdoing Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss, I'll check those podcasts out. Am out on the bike tomorrow (weather permitting!).