Taking a Break? How often? How long?

[Gladiola]

I know it's good to take some time off from your training occasionally, but how often & for how long?

I haven't had more than maybe 4 or 5 consecutive days off in about 1.5 years (when I had my tonsils taken out & HAD to take 2 weeks totally off).
Of course... I have had some time off from lifting, just not more than 4-5 days off from *exercise* (cardio & yoga/pilates).

 

[Robboe]

Take it when you need it.

a whole week off can actually be more productive then you'd think.

personally, if i haven't had more than 5 days in a row off every 15 or so weeks i usually take them, unless of course my training is going fantastic at the time.

i usually take them when training isn;t going so well. I look to my diet too tho.

 

[Y_lifter]

At least Twice a year I take a week long Vacation and do nothing but relax and maybe a little cardio like walking or stairs if they are available at the hotel where I'm at...

 

[Gladiola]

Take it when you need it.

Problem is - I usually don't feel right when I take time off! I get antsy, I miss it, I start imagining atrophy & growth of fat

I suppose normally vacation would be a time I'd take off, but I haven't had one in 1.5 years. Overdue & was about to plan one, but I'm going to owe a crazy amount in taxes soon - so forget that

I'll stop whining now.

I have seen continual gains, but I just strated training with a partner 2 weeks ago - so that definitely helped increase my lifts - whereas otherwise I might have needed a break. I've also really cut back on cardio - so I don't feel overtrained (even though I might be).

 

[Gladiola]

At least Twice a year I take a week long Vacation

Go ahead, rub it in!



he he, j/k

 

[D00fy]

i took 2months off before prior to me takin off i did 3weeks of fullblown keto,dropped fat/weight like whoa...........REASON==florida had to look somewha good for summer................since in florida i ended up eating alot everyday, chinese food buffets everyday but hardly gained fat/weight I maintained a good weight that made me look lean....came back to NYC i blew up like a balloon whoa was i fat:/ anyway

2MONTHS OFF LIFTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!.came back september adjusted diet........actually gained muscle because of that 2month break,it was a shock to my body felt good

 

[Thaibox]

Problem is - I usually don't feel right when I take time off! I get antsy, I miss it, I start imagining atrophy & growth of fat

That just means you're dedicated. I force myself to take a week off every couple months, and even though it kills me(I feel like I turn soft and lose a ton of weight), I'm always strongest when I return. I've made my last three one rep PRs my first day back from week long breaks.

 

[Jabs]

I like taking a week during december because of all the holidays and gym hours change. Anything over a week I start getting crabby as hell.

 

[b fold the truth]

I take off when I need it. After my contest last weekend...nothing this week at all!!!!

B True

 

[maxellyz]

Rest is very important and to many are afraid to rest, i take 2 days off after training for 4 days, the max i take is 3 days sometimes but not often