Rest day question

I like the way you talked about "how your energy level does"... Definitly pay attention to how your body feels. If you feel like taking the whole day "off" then do it... For me a rest day is all about "rest". As long as you don't feel like you're working out then i'd say its all good.

Lots of differing philosophies on "rest."

One camp takes it compeltely off.  Another only does really like work in one discipline or another.  A different one does alternative things (weights, yoga, massage).

No one is right, you need to find one that works for you and listen to your body so you can figure out what it needs.

All the other posters are right on about rest days.  You are going to get multiple opinions on this.  Some activity may actually promote recovery rather than just sitting around doing nothing.  I believe you should do activity that will build you up rather than break you down. You don't want to think of it as anything other than delivering oxygenated blood to your muscles.

To the OP, do what makes you happy...enjoy exercising and being fit. 

I would like to think I'm a serious coach and for some athletes and don't believe a rest day is required

For some athletes a rest day is required due to physiological reasons (recovery, type of workout on the prior day, experience), pyschological reasons (need a break, maintain focus) or real-life (buy groceries, spend time with the family).

The key is finding what works for you and using that; there is no magic formula for everyone.

Shane

Shane hit the nail right on the head here.  It's different for each person and as a coach, I have to figure out which one works for each athlete.  My coach uses active recovery for my schedule so, on paper, it looks like I never have a day off. 

Listen to your body and your life.  If you get stressed that you don't have time to do the bills, then set aside a day to do that.  If you can't get to the grocery store without missing that afternoon workout, then go grocery shopping.  But look at your schedule in advance and you can minimize the 'emergency' situations.

But overall, listen to your body.  Plain and simple.

Pay attention to how your body feels.  A day of skiing, doing crossfit, or playing tennis or hockey could put more wear and tear on your body and require more recovery than a day of tri training. Your "rest" day is there to give your body time to recover and be better prepared for your upcoming training...don't let it make you more fatigued.