"Off Week" - need advice

BallroomTed · 09-18-2008, 03:08 PM

Hey all,

Do you take a week off from lifting periodically. If so, how often??? Lift 4 weeks, take one off? Lift 8 weeks, take one off???

Thanks so much!

blopid · 09-18-2008, 03:14 PM

I know that a weeks rest is recommended after a couple of months, but I always find it hard to rest that long... I know it's good advice though... I try to listen to my body when it comes to taking rests...

Peace...

ntrllftr · 09-18-2008, 04:00 PM

If you have a good split, I don't see a need for a rest week.

I might take three days off a few times a year.

.

Marius_Ursus · 09-18-2008, 04:04 PM

Every couple of months I take about a week off.

MR · 09-18-2008, 04:05 PM

I've tried the "week off" thing....doesn't work for me. My diet goes to hell, I get bored with my extra time....and I come back feeling sluggish and weak. Every now and then, when my body demands it, I'll take three days off....any more than that is detrimental...but, that's me. Others have said that they come back stronger than ever after a week off from lifting....I just don't.

Mike

EBA84 · 09-18-2008, 07:40 PM

I don't take any time off ever except maybe after a contest. I may back off on the weight and do lighter faster workouts for a week if I feel I need a break though.

ironwill2008 · 09-18-2008, 11:06 PM

I don't take weeks off. Instead, every 4th week, I cut all my loads to 50%, and stop at the same rep count as I did the previous week. This deload gives my body, as well as my mind, a break, and I can concentrate on perfecting my form. Been doing it this way for 15 years; no injuries, no overtraining.

Over the years, I've seen many guys take a "week off", and never come back. If you're already showing symptoms of overtraining, then you need time off. The smart approach is to never let yourself get in that condition in the first place.

Fiend_73 · 09-18-2008, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironwill2008

I don't take weeks off. Instead, every 4th week, I cut all my loads to 50%, and stop at the same rep count as I did the previous week. This deload gives my body, as well as my mind, a break, and I can concentrate on perfecting my form. Been doing it this way for 15 years; no injuries, no overtraining.

Over the years, I've seen many guys take a "week off", and never come back. If you're already showing symptoms of overtraining, then you need time off. The smart approach is to never let yourself get in that condition in the first place.

/thread

HeloRugger · 09-19-2008, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironwill2008

I don't take weeks off. Instead, every 4th week, I cut all my loads to 50%, and stop at the same rep count as I did the previous week. This deload gives my body, as well as my mind, a break, and I can concentrate on perfecting my form. Been doing it this way for 15 years; no injuries, no overtraining.

Over the years, I've seen many guys take a "week off", and never come back. If you're already showing symptoms of overtraining, then you need time off. The smart approach is to never let yourself get in that condition in the first place.

Concur. If I take a week off I either am frustrated when I return or it turns into a month off. I like the steady strain IronWill mentions by having a light day or week thrown in.

BallroomTed · 09-19-2008, 12:09 PM

Once agan I get real answers...thanks!

I was feeling a little tired yesterday and dreading having to do squats this morning. So this morning I did shoulders and arms. instead of squats....had a great workout! Best pump in my arms ever!!

I guess the key is to change it up once in all while.

Peace.....