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On rest and recovery days it is important to avoid doing the worst thing you can do for your body... nothing. Examples of rest and recovery activities are walking, static stretch exercises (after a warm up and loosening up period), dynamic stretching, swimming, water running, and riding a bike.
When to Recover. If you're setting up a training program, be it lifting weights, cardio or a combination of the two, schedule at least one recovery day into your week. If you're a beginner, take two to three. Advanced exercisers should take a week off at the end of your season or every two to three months.