Aside from intense weightlifting and proper nutrition, the other factor that contributes to an effective body building routine is REST. Rest allows proper time for the body to repair muscles damaged from weight-lifting from working out at the gym or doing strenuous sports activities.  If you want to gain muscles easily, it is recommended that you schedule a week dedicated to rest.  Strength gains can be earned by scaling back your lifting routine one week each month as reported by Canadian researchers.

According to their 3-month study, those who did half their training volume on the final week of each month boosted their strength by 29 percent.  Planning regular rest periods is essential for muscle healing and growth.  This is primarily due to the fact that rest allows your muscles and nervous system to recover.  On that week were you’re scaling down your lifting volume, cut each exercise in half.

Isn’t it wonderful to hear that you gain muscles and strenght by resting, right?

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Reference: Men’s Health