Time Off?????

[njlovehandles]

Wondering what everyone thinks about taking a week or two off every year. I used to always take about a week off from lifting every 4 months, but as the years have gone by it gets harder to step away. I have not taken a break in almost a year and a half besides 1 or two rest days a week. Do you guys think it is smart to take a week or two off ever once in a while? Thanks!

[BBAddict]

IMO, it's best to listen to your body. I typically try to force myself to take a week every 6months or so, if for no other reason than to rest my joints. I would never take a break unless my body was screaming for a break for an extended period of time. It sounds like you're as addicted to the lifestyle as I am--I can't stand days, much less a week, out of the gym.

[njlovehandles]

I'm with you bro, I wish I was as dedicated to my diet. My joints feel pretty good, just feel like I should give myself a week. This is day two and im itching to go back. I can remeber when I was younger and would take a week off I always looked fuller, and came back just as strong of not stronger. Now its like a mental battle that if I miss a day in the gym I will lose a rep on my bench or squat. I think sometimes we are way to addicted to the iron. Im gonna take the week and see what happens. Mine as well, the gym is pact with resolutioners anyways this time of the year.

[daf2]

i usually take a week to two weeks off twice a year or after a show. i have found it to be very helpfull and beneficial. the week i go back to lifitng, i feel refreshed and strong. it also gives your body a chance to recooperate and rest for an extended period of time.

[bowbow]

I think your overdue for a break myself. It's prett neat now that I've been doing this so long I can tell when I need a break. Just a week of no lifting can do wounders when you go back.

[Stonecold54]

Wondering what everyone thinks about taking a week or two off every year. I used to always take about a week off from lifting every 4 months, but as the years have gone by it gets harder to step away. I have not taken a break in almost a year and a half besides 1 or two rest days a week. Do you guys think it is smart to take a week or two off ever once in a while? Thanks!

in a word YES...:D if not for a physical recovery then a mental one. Bodybuilding is a thinking mans game despite the public perception....to achieve greatness that most of us want but also lacking the gentics of the pro's we need a cerebral approach...take a few weeks off and read books on kinetics, physics, nutrion, anatomy, etic....

[Ashop]

Wondering what everyone thinks about taking a week or two off every year. I used to always take about a week off from lifting every 4 months, but as the years have gone by it gets harder to step away. I have not taken a break in almost a year and a half besides 1 or two rest days a week. Do you guys think it is smart to take a week or two off ever once in a while? Thanks!

a rest is often very good for the body.

[Motorcycleguy]

Take some time off, I know this can be hard to do but it is a good idea. To keep yourself from feeling like a bum do something active, take the dog for a walk on the trails, play a game of soccer, go hiking.

[njlovehandles]

Well, I took 8 days off which was one more than I wanted, but I caught a horrible cold. Did shoulders today and I must say I got one hell of a pump. Weights felt a little heavy, but I didnt really lose any strenght. Thought that was strange b/c I stopped taking creatine the last day I lifted. I think it was a good break, I feel real good, besides the cold. Thanks for the tips guys. Time to start cutting for the summer!

[BBAddict]

Weights felt a little heavy, but I didnt really lose any strenght.

I actually usually come back from a rest stronger because my muscles have fully recovered and rested. I'm sure it's good to be back though. Now get back to work!

[Ashop]

I actually usually come back from a rest stronger because my muscles have fully recovered and rested. I'm sure it's good to be back though. Now get back to work!

i always get this effect too. i always look and feel super after break from extended training.

[meat12]

I actually usually come back from a rest stronger because my muscles have fully recovered and rested.

same here

[mindstar]

I missed legs day last week due to a slight hammy tweak and came back way stronger this week. It helps that my legs are catching up to the rest of my body after surgery, but I added 30lbs to my squat!
It is so counter-intuitive, but so useful to takes rests every once in a while...

[hlcn8]

Take some time off, I know this can be hard to do but it is a good idea. To keep yourself from feeling like a bum do something active, take the dog for a walk on the trails, play a game of soccer, go hiking.

Yup! I've done this before as well, and found i have to do SOMETHING because i literally get depressed if i don't get my workouts in. I have to have some sort of activity, but the 'strategic deconditioning' left me able to break through a previous plateau, etc.