When it comes to getting fit, the idea of spending hours at the gym might come to mind, but many fitness experts argue that taking a "deload week" every six to eight weeks is actually key to improving your fitness gains. A deload week involves reducing the intensity of workouts to allow the body to recover from the fatigue and muscle damage caused by intense training. While high-intensity training helps build strength and fitness, it can also lead to muscle strain, and without adequate recovery, these gains can't fully materialise.
Deload weeks give the body much-needed rest to repair and rebuild, ensuring continued progress. (Also read: Bhagyashree swears by this super easy exercise for instant leg pain relief and better mobility. Watch how to do it ) Why recovery is key for muscle growth Intense exercise can cause tiny tears in muscle fibres, leading to inflammation that requires rest or low-intensity exercise to heal.
This inflammation is essential for muscle growth and fitness improvements. However, without proper recovery, muscles remain in a state of slight damage, preventing inflammation from resolving. This chronic state of inflammation can hinder muscle function, reducing oxygen efficiency and impairing performance.
Giving muscles time to recover through rest ensures they repair properly and are primed for continued progress, setting us up for greater success in our fitness journey. Many gymgoers fear taking time off and are worried it will lead to a loss of gains. H.
