Perry Smith is an entrepreneur from Brentwood, TN, and has led business in the health and fitness space for more than two decades. As the proprietor of Smith Fitness Concepts based near Brentwood, TN, Perry Smith helps his clients meet their fitness goals through strength training.

Strength training regimens focus on building muscle mass through a combination of weight lifting, aerobic exercises, and high-intensity cardio. Rest periods are an essential part of a strength training program. This is because muscles and joints sustain small tears during the exercise. During recovery periods, these tears are repaired which builds up muscle strength and density. Sufficient rest between workouts also lowers the likelihood of overuse injuries.

While the amount of time needed to make a full recovery depends on an individual’s routine and fitness level, most people will need anywhere from 24 to 72 hours of rest between workouts. There are several ways to encourage muscle recovery. Eating lean proteins and complex carbohydrates can facilitate muscle repair. Other methods include soft tissue massage, gentle stretching, and working out different muscle groups.