Should you ease up on training in the summer to “recharge your batteries”?

Summer vacation has finally arrived (or is coming soon), so we’ll be able to rest by the sea, in the mountains, or in the countryside. But for us athletes, the question arises whether to put the bike away for a while or to continue at the same pace as the rest of the year, and especially as in spring.

By Jeff Tatard – Photos: depositphotos.com / DR

You ride almost every day throughout the year, so chances are you’ve already asked yourself this question: “if I stop during vacation, will I lose everything?“. The answer is quite simple… A few days without riding will have no effect on your physical fitness. But you still need to take a few precautions.

Vacation is the ideal time to recover. Not all athletes are always aware of this, but the body needs it. Yet, it’s clear: several consecutive hard training sessions have a detrimental effect on the anti-inflammatory actions of the immune system, without providing real muscular benefits.

Not just in cycling, whatever the sport and even the level of physical activity practiced, rest is fundamental. So there’s no question of missing this opportunity of summer vacation to get some rest. Your body will thank you.

Not training doesn’t mean inactive

While resting is essential, you shouldn’t confuse not training with staying inactive. And so, vacation is an excellent opportunity to practice other less intensive activities that will help you stay in shape without getting too tired. Those going to the mountains can try hiking. Those going to the sea can take the opportunity to swim. In the countryside or anywhere else, this period is an opportunity to do simple strength training exercises again or to try yoga or stretching.

In short, the secret to making your vacation restful but not inactive is to find the right balance in intensity. Clearly, forget about performance. Forget about goals. Also forget about time constraints. Practice your activity when you want and how you want, without constraints.

What about diet?

For those who pay attention to their diet throughout the year, this may also be a good time to take a break. Without falling into excess, of course. But if an ice cream on the beach, for example, makes you happy, don’t deprive yourself. Besides resting our muscles, we also need to rest our minds.

In conclusion…

The main goal of this period is to start fresh and replenish your energy and motivation levels. This short break will be beneficial. It will allow us to return even more motivated. And we may even see in a future article how to resume and how to re-accustom the body to the rhythm and effort after this break…

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