Break in exercise 1-2 days

One-to-two-day break in exercise is enough, claims expert

It is not just motivation that suffers when missing a few days of exercise - all the health benefits that come with physical exercise also begin to disintegrate.


That's the advice handed down by Dr. Michael Joyner, a physiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota writing for nytimes.com, who believes the health benefits of exercising for several days can evaporate when taking an extended break.

Endurance also suffers if people skip exercising for too many days in a row, addslifehacker.com.

He cites "study after study" which suggests one of the primary reasons people continue exercising is that they enjoyed the exertions of the day before.
They felt "healthier and more physically masterful afterwards" but extended periods between exercise sessions could dull that enthusiasm.

Joyner commented further on the issue: "Similarly, there is some evidence that injury rates can rise after a multiday layoff, especially in activities requiring a well-honed technique."

"A 2011 study of circus performers found that two-day breaks between performances lessened injury rates, but the rates rose again if performers rested for three days or more," he added.

Overall, Joyner suggests that the key is probably not to miss more than two days in a row and skipping only one day "is even better."