Taking time off

[muscle99]

Is taking time off good? I take 1 full week off weights every twelve weeks. During that time I reduce my calorie intake & maintain my cardio level. I find that when I resume my weight training I can make greater progress the first few weeks. The hardest part is deciding what weight to begin using again as I often don't like to drop it down much & end up throwing my body straight into a overtrained state. Would like to know what others do in regards to taking time off.(if at all).

[Rookie]

Just listen to your body bro, I didn`t take a full week off for about 12-14 weeks, even though I had a few bench comps etc in there. Took a week off as soon as progress was slowing and my body was telling me to slow down, felt ruined and wrecked but progress/strength came back after the week off. IMO its only a week and not a month

[Phedder]

How often you take time off depends on the type of training you do, but I think it's a good idea for everyone at some stage. Whether that be every 4 weeks for people doing 5/3/1, or every 12-14 weeks like Rookie mentioned from listening to his body. Many people refer to it as 'Deloading' and it helps give the CNS a break from constant stimulation.

[Dr Squat]

Here's a good article by Dave Tate. Not completely relevant as it is aimed at an elite powerlifter but still useful.

http://articles.elitefts.com/articles/training-articles/how-often-should-you-deload/

I think the key is to listen to your body. If you are going "balls to the wall" then you will need a few days off every 6-12 weeks. If you are cruising then you will not.

[mike27]

week off time for me now!

definatly helps and ill come back nice and rested and ready for a new challenge!

[Dr Squat]

week off time for me now!

definatly helps and ill come back nice and rested and ready for a new challenge!

Makes good sense to do it at this time of the year. As you say, you will come back fresh and motivated. Use the time to set some goals for 2011.

[Viking Power]

, I have being powerlifting for one full year and I wasn't going to have any time off but I have decided to take a week and a few days off, well the few days have gone and I'm ready to kick arse for another year so its worked a treat for me and its also let me plan my whole years training cycles to each comp fully recommend to take a break all the best people for 2011

VP