Is it bad to take a week break from running?

Question

I'm being forced to stop running for a week due to muscle injury.. is this bad for running? What excercises can I do to stay in shape?

Answer 1

Really you should't do any exersise your best way to stay in shape not to much junk food and it fruits and vegtables

Answer 2

Well, you are injured, so yes, take a break.

A week from no running will not kill you. Trust me.

I think just eating right is the best thing to do now.

Answer 3

I'd rather take the week's rest and recover fully from an injury. Think smart and do what's best for yourself. Dont take the risk of re- aggravating that same injury and making it worse. It wont be worth it. Rest is just as important as training because you dont want to over-work. It wont affect you that much from taking a rest so dont worry about it.

Answer 4

If you have a muscle injury.... yea take a break. A week wont really hurt you but you could go swimming or weightlifting (that always kept me in shape in my off season) But don't overwork it. Make sure you stretch before you start to go running before and after you run next time; That helps you recover and avoid future muscle injuries.  

Answer 5

You'll likely actually feel better about your running when you resume. A week off (or sometimes even two) really isn't much different from the way folk taper for marathons.

If you've been running a ton, you just need to remember you're not burning off the same calories you were before, so if you keep eating the same way, weight gain can happen rapidly.

As far as exercises, it would depend on what exact muscle injury you have, and how much you just largely need to rest. If medical advice says you can do things, non-impact (swimming) is common, as is simply taking time to stretch -- the non-injured muscles of course. Basic breathing exercises might be something else to look into. Or you could even just take the time to read up on running things as a different form of "training."

For just a week off, you really don't need to worry about getting out of shape. Your main concern should be potentially re-injuring your muscle. If you get sidelined for a longer period, *then* you'll get out of shape.