week off

[epzin]

how often, if at all, do you guys take the week off training? when your gains plateau or just when you feel overtrained? after a X number of weeks? i just took the dreaded week off which ended up turning into 2 with finals. now that theyre over and done with, i had my first workout today, and it was impossible to cope with the immense strength, size and energy loss, not to mention time needed in the gym. i was planning on coming back starting with lower weight, higher reps for 2 weeks, then coming back hard, but looks like i have no choice now! this has to be the shittiest feeling. if i could, i would never take a break again. hopefully i get back to what i was at, then surpass it. at least now i have the motivation to get there.

 

[string_bean00]

I've only taken one week off before, and that was for spring break. When I came back I had a rough couple of workouts, but after that I felt better than ever. It really gives your joints and such a rest.

 

[huskyguy]

When I need a week off, it is usually obvious that I need a week off, I feel exhausted almost flu-like, usually when I come back I feel much stronger and it was exactly what I needed.

 

[Insane_Man]

You don't really lose anything in 2 weeks if your diet was adequate. Your "old" strength should be back in no time. As for size, when you don't train, there is a decrease in intramuscular fluid because your cells are less active.

 

[ranger1082]

i usually take a week off every 4-5 months just to give my body some time to rest.

 

[Popichulo]

I for one am afraid to take more that 2 days in a row off.

 

[epzin]

intramuscular fluid! yes! ill keep telling myself that! but yah, it makes sense, im not as pumped, i was feeling more refreshed everytime i woke up during that time off, so i probably needed it. another 4 months should do it. oi vey.

 

[hornedfrogs07]

Well, muscles begin to atrophy very soon after stopping, but you'll gain it back VERY quickly.

Popi, I'm with you - I HATE to take more than 2-3 days off in a row.

 

[ILB50]

i take a week off every 3 weeks but in those 3 weeks i train realy hard tho like 8 -10 lifts a day on a 4 day split and heavy weights

i went from 325 to 350 in 4 weeks end of 1st session finished at 325 then after a week off and 3 weeks of hard training i was at 350 so i feel alot better when i take a week off and come back u just feel refreshed