Do any of you take regular breaks from lifting?

[Tedster]

Do any of you take regular scheduled breaks from lifting to give your body a good chance to completely recover? So far I've never actually scheduled a rest period, but it's not uncommon for us to go out of town to visit relatives for a holiday weekend where I won't be able to lift for up to four days straight. Next year we're taking a vacation where I won't have access to a gym for a full seven days, but my thoughts are that this shouldn't be that big of a deal and may actually be good for me.

I've noticed that when I get back in the gym after a long break that I feel great and have great flexibility. However, I also immediately get sore again from doing the same work out routine that I always do.

Also, what's the longest break you should ever take? How long before it starts to hurt progress more than help?



Tedster

 

[perp69]

I will take a week off every now and then if I need it. As a matter of fact I am off this week but not because I need it but because my gym got shut down so I am shopping for a new one.

 

[doyouyahoo]

Whenever I feel like it. It's not that hard to just stop going to the gym and miss a week.

 

[DZLS]

i usually take 1-2 weeks off after a 10 week training cycle...

i call it an off week, but i still hit the gym, and do a few things and do some extra cardio, but do not lift any heavy weights in the time period...

you MUST rest...

 

[Chambewy20]

I take time off when life demands it or I get too beat up. Good to get the hell outta there once in a while and let your body recover.

 

[BOWTECH]

I'll take a week off about every four months. But I still do cardio during that week

 

[musketeer]

I don't schedule braeks, they just force themselves on to me - either through lack of energy, minor/major injuries or where real important things like work or girlfriend have to come first. I generally dont train with weights 2 days in a row now, simply because each 5x5 style workout whacks the whole body and I'm nowhere near the level of development where everyday workouts will be beneficial.

 

[riverrock]

I don't schedule braeks, they just force themselves on to me - either through lack of energy, minor/major injuries or where real important things like work or girlfriend have to come first. I generally dont train with weights 2 days in a row now, simply because each 5x5 style workout whacks the whole body and I'm nowhere near the level of development where everyday workouts will be beneficial.

Agreed!

I have also been forced into breaks. My hamstrings were about to crack a couple of months ago due to overtraining. I took 2 months off squatting and am back as good as ever already and am currently working on my weak elements. In fact, I feel that overall I have come back a better athlete as a result of taking time off.

 

[Hillmachine]

I dont schedule a week off but my body usually lets me know when its time for a break. During the week off though, i start to feel guilty... its like my body is telling me i am lazy and should be at the gym. So i crack and go and do a full body workout

 

[*MissFit*]

it's hard but i try

 

[Tweakle]

yes, deloading periods are absolutely necessary - if you dont take them then your body will eventually force you to thru injury or sickness

 

[Steve The Bluesman]

Strategic Deconditioning baby!! Does a body good.

I do it before every new program (I usually switch between 5x5 and HST)


Bluesman

 

[cubuff27]

Living in Florida I find that hurricanes force you to take a break when they take away your gym for a week with no damn power!!

 

[Tedster]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm not going to feel the least bit of guilt when I'm forced to take breaks from time to time. As a matter of fact, I'll be missing four days straight for Christmas, but I now know that it can actually be beneficial to let the body rest.



Tedster

 

[b fold the truth]

My wife and I travel a lot with our jobs so quite often we find ourselves in another country and not able to train much. Also...when I compete at a contest I will take off the 5-6 days prior and the 3-7 days after...so that could be a break. Normally a contest is the easiest session I've had in months anyway...

I've been trying something new for a while now. Either every 4 or 8 weeks I'll go into the gym and basically only do my main exercise then I'll do one of two things:
1) Go home
2) Cut the weights in half from normal and do the same reps...then go home.

B True