what is rest?

[try-n]

Hi. I've done a search and gotten a few answers,but would like to get some more direct answers. I'm 45,have been active but only this year started adding weights to my quest for better fitness. I'm basically using the 'anabolic workout guide' as listed on this site,with some minor variations. Body split into 4 groups,each gets worked every 8 days,1 day of complete rest in there.I'm doing 45 min of cardio every morning but leg day,and 25 or so at night.I feel I could do more but am trying to recognize rest as a critcal factor. How does that sound as far as not overtraining? What does a rest day mean? I'm not suppossed to lay in bed with a feeding tube attached waiting for my nurse to roll me out of the wet spot when I pee, right? What is a reasonable activity level on rest days? And one more question- how do I know if I've really lifted a weight to point of failure,or is it just my stupid brain saying I can't do one more rep? Thanks for taking the time to read this,any input will be mulled over. Aslo,if relavant,I'm on hrt.1.8 hgh 5on/2off,just started,and 400mg test cyp plus 300mg deca every week,2 weeks into a 10 week cycle right now.I hope my diet is good,there are so many conflicting opinions I'm a bit confused. I sure don't eat any crap. 6 meals a day,salmon,potato, brocoli or salad ,4 slices turkey, tomato, carrot, parmesian cheese and vinegar are typical meals. All organic. Thanks again.

[Flexxor]

A rest is one day in between heavy workouts allowing the nervous system to replenish itself fully which prevents overtraining, allows you to get stronger and perform better the next workout. This applies even if you aren't working the same muscle, because your brain is the thing that controls all your muscles. You can cardio on rest days though, because it doesn't fry the CNS.

Some people can get away with less rest, and some try to beat their system. They may not even know they need more rest until they are well into overtraining. Of course, everybody is different.

Also don't lift to failure. You overtrain your CNS needlessly and gains can be derailed. Only complete a rep if you can perform it with the same timing as your first rep. That way you'll be doing all the damage you need without caning your grey matter!

[Flexxor]

How old is your gf?

Sorry I added more to my original post, you may not see it until now. I've gotta go, I need my muscle sleep for increased test and GH levels..

[try-n]

How about intervals on my ellipitical trainer on the in between days? Too much? I want to do 4 minutes slow,115 hr., then 2 fast,try to keep my heart below 160bpm,i can cruise pretty easy at 145. repeat 10 times. I live at higher alttitude than most,if that might be a factor.

[Doc.Sust]

good answers flex

[try-n]

which one? the tall one,the skinny one or the one that only has one leg. (I call her peg) Thanks for replying.