Popsugar Health & Fitness Health Relaxing Workouts For Active Rest Days 5 Restorative Ways to Stay Active on Rest Days 18 June 2018 by Florie Mwanza Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart Whenever I get into a fitness routine with a designated goal like weight loss or muscle gain, I get so motivated that when my rest days come around, I sometimes skip them. While it's great to be relentless and focused in the pursuit of your goals, taking the time out from training is important. Not only do rest days allow your muscle fibres to repair themselves after strenuous activity, but they also give overworked bodies the opportunity to recover and reenergise, leaving you less susceptible to illness, and preventing muscle and joint strains from overuse. If you're finding it hard to take time out of your workout schedule, try these five relaxing and restorative ways to keep your body gently going on rest days. Meditate on It Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sisilia Piring Constantly thinking about being at the gym and upping your weights or hitting your macros isn't healthy; stop obsessing and start meditating on what else you've achieved during your rest day. Not only will meditation help you let go of your anxiety, but it's also a remedy for depression. 1 / 5 Stretch It Out Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart Your body may be tired, but it's just as used to being active as your brain is, so keep your joints feeling fluid and flexible while you're taking time away from your hardcore workouts by dedicating a little time to some soothing stretches. 2 / 5 Take a Walk Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart If cardio's your thing, make a rest day playlist with four or five of your favourite cool-down tracks. You'll limit yourself to a 15-minute walk by turning back as soon as you hit the third song on your playlist, and the fresh air will make you feel invigorated. 3 / 5 Do Some Yoga Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography Encourage your body to restore itself to its full strength with a gentle, healing yoga practice that'll relax you in the process. 4 / 5 Foam Roll Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart Show your overused muscles some love with a foam roller massage that'll work out all the aches and pains. 5 / 5 HealthMeditationHealthy LivingFitness