Should I take a rest from exercise?

Your muscles should tell you if they need a rest. Mine sure scream at me when I overdo it.

You should at least strecth and probably do a short jog tomorrow. As long as your muscles are just sore from the previous lack of exercise it won’t hurt to keep using them, it will probably help.

Unless you plan to substitute some other exercise for the jogging.

I’ve always been told and I’ve always followed the rule that you shouldn’t work the same muscles day after day. If you do you up the chances of injuring those muscles. I work out 6 days a week and I’ve learned to break my body into sections so I’m not working the same muscles every day. I run 3 days a week and on my off days I lift weights.

I’ve been running for 3 years now. I had some injuries and some natural breaks during that time. I’m at the point now where I’m considering adding a small run on my weight lifting days because I’m pretty confident that my muscles can take it.

What I’ve learned is to listen to my body. I know when muscles are just tired vs. being on the edge of injury and I make sure I back off.

If you’ve been on a break for 5 months I would start back slowly and build momentum over time.

Make sure you stretch after your run, so you don’t get sore. It has to be immediately after, too late now of course.

I think @tranquilsea gave good advice, although, I think it is probably ok to jog every day if it is shorter distance. Most runners I know have joint problems or foot problems, who needs that? They wind up not able to run for months while they heal or have surgery. Go with moderation, and alternating two different types of exercise at minimum. Running one day, swimming the next is a great combination I think.

Make sure you warm up before you jog.
Make sure you’re NOT on a diet, your body needs nutrition, as it uses this food as fuel. At least 5 meals a day.
It’s always good to be at your own pace… BUT
I think you should jog again, don’t give up, push your body to its maximum and you’ll find that everyday you get even fitter.

I’m doing this program called ‘Insanity’, and today is my third day. Believe it or not, my fitness has constantly been improving throughout this short period. It is insane indeed. It’s super intense, but it’s worth it. You should carry out some research and find out what ‘Max Interval Training’ is. Bear in mind not only is it for losing wait in 60 days, it’s for toning up your body. (Males and females) I’m aiming for a muscly flat stomach, mainly. That was just extra advice for anyone who wants something like that. It’s super tiring and painful, but it’s a good pain, honestly. Everything is done at home, your body is your only resistance. If you don’t mind working out in your own pool of sweat, seriously.
Dammit I can go on forever, I definitely recommend it, it has everything you can imagine, and it has intense cardio workouts too. It’s based on them.

I feel like an advertiser now. Great. I’m just too happy. But honestly? I’m just here blabbing like a fool, research is always good. Better even.

Good for you!

It you are young, healthy, you didn’t run hard today and your legs are not sore tomorrow then you could likely jog a couple miles without a problem. But to be absolutely safe I would take the next day off for extra recovery.