The point of working out is to do what’s best for your body. But if you’re pushing yourself to your limits each day, you may feel like you’re pushing yourself over the edge. It’s not only OK to take breaks, it’s actually vital to the overall success of your fitness plan.

Your body literally needs to rest in order to make fitness gains – and we’re not just talking about 30-second breaks in between sets. You should plan for a 24-hour period of rest in between exercise sessions that focus on the same muscle groups. At the same time, make sure that no more than 72 hours (three days) go by without exercise. For example, if you’re doing a weight-lifting program every week, try focusing on the upper body three times a week and then exercising the lower body on the in-between days. And then take one full day off each week to just relax.

Resting each muscle group allows the body to repair and rebuild the muscles, giving it the platform needed to make greater improvements in muscular strength, endurance or power (whatever you’re training for). Rest is important for both your body and mind, so don’t be afraid to tone down a workout here and there or take a break when you need it.