Do people take rest days from exercising without feeling guilty? When I was a runner 25 years ago, I took a day off per week. Now I do about 25 minutes exercise a day and had only two days off in 2008 so far, both for other events. It may seem a bit silly, but I don't feel I deserve a day off because I'm not exercising enough.

So, what's your exercise plan? Does it include regular planned days off?

I'm taking a day off each week from the gym to rest the legs, I find my body is pretty receptive to the time off. I do 5/6days of 60 min cardio (I mix this up w/treadmill / bike / elliptical) & 3 of those days include weight training, I'd like to fit in a yoga class in weekly - can't always make it (I end up doing 3 classes a month on avg).

I don't feel guilty, since I'm pretty active even on the days off. I'm on a ranch and there is always "stuff" to do - animals to care for etc....Now that the weather is getting nicer, that work load will pick up...:cool::thumbup:.

Yeah, I think it is super hard to take that rest day. However, when I started running and wanted to drop weight, I was exercising every day and my trainer was like...NO! You NEED to rest 1-2 days a week. So, even tho I did feel guilty, I took the day off. Now, sometimes, I will work out 3 days (I work out hard!), rest one day, 3 on, 1 off. On my rest days, I usually take my dog for a longer walk than usual and try to do more of my up and down housework! It is hard, but I keep hearing my trainer telling me to rest my body so I don't get an injury and then am forced to stop! So, maybe you can balance it like that in your head! Good luck.