Skib

I just started to really get back into training about a month or two ago... right now I'm on a 3 day routine (Day 1 - Chest/Tris/Abs, Day 2 - Back/Legs, Day 3 - Shoulders/Bis/Abs)

Each of my work outs are followed by a 20 min cardio session

My question is, when should I be resting? I usually try to go 2 or 3 days before I rest as I like to go to the gym at least 5 days a week... however, because I just got back to the gym I'm starting to see results therefore it motivates me to always want to be at the gym... but obviously I need days of rest as well... it's funny because I almost feel guilty for taking days off, but I know it's normal and I have to... so my question is what are the best days to take off? how many days should I be going before I take a day off? how many days in a row is too much?

Prince

rule of thumb for a natural lifter is never work-out more than 2 days in a row.

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MeanCuts

I think it depends on your workout routine and if you're bulking or cutting.
Looking at your routine i'd say you needed a day of after the legs/back routine cause you've already trained chest,back,and legs in two days which I think is to much but that's my opinion.

Skib

cool, thanks guys

since i started my 3 day routine (i used to only have 2, but switched it to 3) i've just kinda wanted to get my 3 days out of the way, take a day of rest and then do the 3 days again... but was working out to be almost 6 days a week at the gym which i thought might be too much... don't wanna over train!

"Everybody wanna be a bodybuilder, but don't nobody wanna lift no heavy-ass weight!" - Ronnie Coleman

Mudge

HST goes by the theory that every other day (3 days a week) is about right. In part, this is because after a heavy days work, you need to rest the next day, for energy 'replenishment' for the next workout.

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rburton

A number of factors may affect your recovery--diet, work, family, age, health, just to name a few. From a personal standpoint, I prefer to train each major bodypart at least once per week, adjusting the sessions based on evrything that is going on in my life. Sometimes, I have to switch from a split routine to a full-body routine. But, in each instanec, I follow HIT principles. l

Fit Freak

I would suggest training 3 consecutive days followed by 2 days rest OR two day on one day rest and repeat....for you the 2nd option would likely be the best choice.

Searching for the right balance...