Which exercise is not appropriate for active rest periods?

Active rest periods are essential for maintaining heart rate while allowing some recovery during a workout. The goal during these periods is to engage in low-intensity activities that keep the body moving without excessively tiring it.

Choosing exercises that are less intensive and more controlled allows for a replenishment of energy and helps clear lactic acid build-up from previous high-intensity efforts. Activities such as walking, side shuffles, and even low-effort star jumps provide low-impact options that keep the body active but don’t overly exert it.

In contrast, star jumps require a significant amount of energy and can elevate the heart rate to a high intensity, similar to a full workout. This makes them less suitable as an active recovery exercise, where the focus should be on maintaining activity at a manageable level. By keeping movement light and controlled during active rest, you ensure your body is prepared for subsequent high-intensity segments of the workout.