Background: Due to bias associated with subjective measures of physical activity, multiple objective methods have been developed in recent years e.g. accelerometers and heart rate monitors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between objective measures of physical activity during work- and leisure periods, and the feeling of rest in the body prior to workdays among blue-collar workers. Methods: The study population consisted of 156 blue-collar workers. To measure physical activity objectively, workers were equipped with two accelerometers and a heart rate monitor 24-hours a day. A diary was used to divide workers daily life into work-, leisure- and sleep periods. Additionally, workers filled in a questionnaire containing a question regarding the feeling of rest in the body prior to workdays. To explore the association between physical activity during work- and leisure periods and the feeling of rest in the body prior to workdays, binomial logistic linear regression models were performed. Results: No significant difference in subject characteristics, work-, leisure- and sleep periods was found between the groups (rested/not rested). No significant association between physical activity during work- and leisure periods, and the feeling of rest in the body prior to work was found, even after adjusting for the confounders sleep time and gender. Even though, practical implications regarding an objective methodological approach to study physical activity can be drawn from this study.