Your take on rest weeks

[Jordan]

Ive never really given rest weeks much attention but im really busy right now so i dont get much rest during the day so i think i should start taking them. I take a rest week every 4 weeks and do this: Incorporate all 5 body parts into 3 workouts- 2 sets per body part, same weight, half the reps. This way, i can recover without loosing strength. So, whats your take on rest weeks?

I just thought id post this for people who arent familiar with the concept.

[sana]

if i'm taking a rest week - i'm taking the whole week off from the gym. if you're doing a half a workout why work out at all?

[Shibby]

Originally posted by sana
if i'm taking a rest week - i'm taking the whole week off from the gym. if you're doing a half a workout why work out at all?

[Jordan]

thanks for the contribution shibby hahaha. i heard her the first time. sana, while im not an expert in the subject, i think the idea is that you do just enough to make sure your body doesnt start to adapt to the decreased workload. also, your still bringing blood into the muscles and sparking the reconstruction process but still alowing your body to rest and rebuild. I know a lot of bodybuilders recognize the importance of proper rest weeks

[NYCmitch25]

Originally posted by sana
if i'm taking a rest week - i'm taking the whole week off from the gym. if you're doing a half a workout why work out at all?

Just to add something different.

Not necessarily. Rest weeks dont always mean you should take a full week off from all exercise or activity. During a rest week you could play sports, do light lifting, hike. The point is to give your body a break from formal serious lifting. Stop and start sports like BB, soccer, hockey are more challenging to muscles and connective tissue than weight-lifting.

I just took a week off completely exercise free. I needed it havent done a rest week in a long long time. I felt "banged-up" My routines are tough. The next time though (12 weeks prob.) I will do light lifting (use the machines). Mental break... feels good. I come back with more vigor and intensity. I believe this is the core to good results. Its hard to get used to... I want to satisfy my ego and never take time off...overtrain.

Hope this helps.