What is the purpose of “light” days in a lifting routine?

Asked by: Maria Morales

The “light” or extensive training days are based on a higher volume and less weight. To keep the workout challenging without such extreme neural demands, this will mean creating more metabolic stress within your muscles.

Should you have light lifting days?

Light workout days are just as important as heavy workout days. They allow development to take place without breaking yourself down and acquiring overuse injuries, experiencing training plateaus and developing a generally stale, flat, bored attitude that can come from doing the same thing day after day.

Are light days at the gym good?

Rest days are essential to a successful fitness program, but evidence shows that light to moderate levels of cardio can improve overall health, decrease muscle soreness, and speed up the recovery process which can set you up for success next time you train.

What does light weight lifting do?

Better Range of Motion
A greater range of motion means increased flexibility and greater muscle strength. Lighter weights will also allow the targeted muscle to handle the load without needing help from compensatory muscles, ensuring you get the most out of your workout for that particular muscle group.

What do you do on a light gym day?

Stay Active
Rest day is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of low impact workouts such as yoga or Pilates. Or simply take a walk. The idea is to take a break from those hardcore gym workouts, yet keep your body moving. Aim for 30-45 minutes of light recovery exercise on rest day.

Does light weight more reps build muscle?

More repetitions with lighter weights can build muscle as well as heavier weights — assuming they are done to the point of exercise-induced fatigue. And fatigue is the important point. That means even with light weight, the last two to three reps should be hard.

Can you grow muscle with light weights?

Muscle growth does not depend on the amount of weight you lift. It is a myth that one must lift more weight to bulk up. If you’re regular and patient with lighter weights, you can achieve similar results.

Is light workout better than no workout?

When you’re pressed for time, it’s good to keep in mind that a quick workout is better than no workout at all. In fact, if you are training for weight loss or to improve your overall fitness, then sometimes all you need is an efficient 20 minutes spent sweating.

Do you really need rest days?

Short answer: yes. “Rest days are important to prevent overuse injuries, and to allow for muscles and body to recover from the exercise,” Debra explained. “You are creating small tears in the muscles as you work them, so it is important to give them rest.

Is it OK to do nothing on rest days?

Doing nothing at all for a day can definitely be relaxing. However, try using your rest day for active recovery. Don’t push yourself; instead, focus on low intensity activities.

Can I get toned with light weights?

Its tone does not change with exercise. The appearance of the muscle is determined by the amount of fat covering it and the elasticity of the skin. Lifting light weights for high reps will not tone your muscle. There is no inherent difference between using heavy weight and light weight.

Is it better to start heavy or light?

When you’re first learning an exercise, lighter weights can help you fine-tune your form. “If you’re unfamiliar with a certain exercise and you’re just learning it, higher reps gives you more time to learn the exercise. As a trainer, I start with that.

Is it better to lift heavy or light?

The truth is, there’s no correct strategy — both are valid choices. Lifting heavy dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells will certainly make you stronger. But lighter weights can help you get stronger too — it just may take you a bit longer. It all comes down to one important factor: muscle fatigue.