need. The key is to take the rest days before you really need them. So be sure and schedule them in. You can still go to the gym these days, but focus on foam rolling, stretching, and mobility. Half-Intensity Weeks Every so often, your body needs a bigger break than just one day. Some suggest taking a half-intensity week every four weeks, but this isn't an excuse to get lazy. Look at your calendar and track the days you work out. Most of you will find that a vacation, sick kids, or a busy schedule kept you from the gym for a few days during the month. But if you look at your calendar and you haven't missed one of your regularly scheduled workouts in over a month, you'll want to consider taking a half-intensity week. This means reducing the volume and intensity of your workouts for 3-5 days. Below are a couple examples of how to implement a half-intensity week into your schedule: Depending on your consistency, intensity, and recovery practices, this will vary from person to person. Some simple tests to see if you're due for a day off Look at your Recovery Tracker . Has it been in the negatives for over a month? You need some time to rack up the positive points. Have your workouts been on the decline? Do weights feel heavier than they should? Are you slowing down in the workouts? Taking a week off could be the cure. Has your joint/muscle pain