In the past, when I was younger, I would push and push myself to the point of exhaustion – basically until my body would give out. And even then I wouldn’t rest enough to recover fully.

The result was that my fitness gains were minimal, which is frustrating.

As I got older and wiser I realised exactly the points you are saying… but it’s still difficult to get the balance right and sometimes I went too far the other direction and rested too much! lol

Now I like to think i’m getting the right balance between hard work and rest, but it’s always a work in progress.

One thing I have learned on my rest/easy days is to do exercise that is intentionally moderate, like walking the dog. It’s too tempting (for me anyway) to push my self too hard when doing running or weights etc..

It’s all about common sense and moderation imho.

Good article

I alternate weight training and cardio days throughout the week. My weight training days focus on either squatting, lifting, pressing, or pulling movements. Almost all exercises in my workout are complex, and I always go very intensely. My cardio days usually consist of a 4 mile run, although I do switch it up with the elliptical or intervals. I like to take a complete day off after my squat days. How should I alter my caloric intake on those off days?

Thanks