Question about a little break from lifting

[Djicy]

I've been going strong now for a year straight with no breaks 6 days a week and felt great. I was thinking about taking the rest of the week off just because I couldn't go yesterday because my grandma is in a nursing home long story.. I might not be able to go today because from the looks of it I'm snowed in and might not be able to get out all day because it continues to snow. And the rest of the week is Xmas and I might be snowed in.

What I'm trying to ask is should I feel guilty for skipping the rest of this week? I worked out on Monday and Tuesday and I will continue strong next week is there anything wrong with a little break or should I get motivated and find a way to go? I just hate feeling guilty andyone lift my spirits by making me feel better? Thnx for any advice at all fellas! Much appreciated and Merry Xmas to all.

 

[crazyivan]

dude take a break, it'll probeully do u some good. i know the feelin thou but i found whenever i take a little break and then hit the gym hard i get a way better pump

 

[Lumberg]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break. Especially on your regimen.

Don't be surprised if you come back stronger.

Be safe and have a happy holiday break!

 

[Djicy]

Thank you guys for the encouraging words!! Best of holidays to you guys too stay safe!!

 

[biggeek]

I take breaks every 6-10 weeks.. depending.. if I feel myself starting to ache all over.. or lose intensity.. i'll take some time off.. and really won't do anything.. might do some light cardio on the bike and get in the sauna.. but no lifting.. and it's been nothing short of great for me.. you don't realize how much your pushing your body until you stop lifting for a little bit.. and 9x outta 10.. you'll come back stronger than you left.. I'm having to take some time off because i am very close to pulling a tendon in my right elbow and having problems doing any lifts with my upper body.. my sister (sports med and licensced massage therapist) told me to lay off upper body for atleast 5 days but more like 7.. and ice it.. well 7 days would be saturday.. and that is xmas.. and sunday the gym won't be open.. so it'll be 9 days without any upper body training.. but oh well.. i've had some killer leg workouts.. and as long as you eat right.. you won't get fat.. so take some time off man.. enjoy the holidays.. and then come back and HIT IT HARD!

 

[H_T_]

hell yeah, take a break, a well deserved one by the sound of it.

 

[Djicy]

I take breaks every 6-10 weeks.. depending.. if I feel myself starting to ache all over.. or lose intensity.. i'll take some time off.. and really won't do anything.. might do some light cardio on the bike and get in the sauna.. but no lifting.. and it's been nothing short of great for me.. you don't realize how much your pushing your body until you stop lifting for a little bit.. and 9x outta 10.. you'll come back stronger than you left.. I'm having to take some time off because i am very close to pulling a tendon in my right elbow and having problems doing any lifts with my upper body.. my sister (sports med and licensced massage therapist) told me to lay off upper body for atleast 5 days but more like 7.. and ice it.. well 7 days would be saturday.. and that is xmas.. and sunday the gym won't be open.. so it'll be 9 days without any upper body training.. but oh well.. i've had some killer leg workouts.. and as long as you eat right.. you won't get fat.. so take some time off man.. enjoy the holidays.. and then come back and HIT IT HARD!

Good info thnx!

 

[Djicy]

hell yeah, take a break, a well deserved one by the sound of it.

Thnx Bro I'm also from Detroit gotta love the weather right now huh? I'm actually snowed in how you doing with this bullshit?

 

[H-isBack]

take a break bro, its just as important that you rest intermitently to allow your body to grow, its as important as keeping high intensity during workouts and if you dont rest some you cant give your best and thats the key to successful BB

H

 

[SuperDawgy]

Do some push ups and sit-ups (3-5 sets of 20) while you're laying off. Keeps the blood pumping through the muscles and helps keep you full, but doesn't tax them too much. Happy Holidays bro.

 

[H_T_]

Thnx Bro I'm also from Detroit gotta love the weather right now huh? I'm actually snowed in how you doing with this bullshit?

it's made me wanna throw in the towel for the weekend, even tho my gyms less than a mile away.

 

[mcgaret]

Been around this game around 30 years. (I'm 47) I find that after taking a
week off I'm surprised at how strong my body feels when my brain tells me
I should be weaker. Intensity is usually up too. Enjoy !!!!

 

[swordfish151]

just like all the bros have said, just take a break..."break it does the body good!" lol

 

[biggeek]

and if your REALLY worried about losing strength and muscle mass.. take some var.. like 20mg/day during your time off.. ha ha.. preserve muscle.. maybe even gain strength and size.. i got injured in the middle of my current var cycle and even though i haven't done upper body in over a week i still feel just as strong and look better actually.. var is actually clincally used for such things.. so it's perfect for this.. aids in recovery while on or off..

 

[ocisbomb]

Also, if you take a LONG break, like a few months, You will probably lose a lot of your size and strength, BUT it comes back SO fast when you jump back into the game. You get RIGHT back up to where you were within weeks. It's awesome to gain that fast, it's like being on a cycle, but natural.

Also, stretching, and yoga help retain strength and size and shape REALLY well. If you can't pump, do some isometrics and stretching, you'll be surprised.

 

[Djicy]

Awesome you wiped away all the guilt I had about it! Honestly I was sitting here feeling like shit now I feel 100 percent better thank you all!!

SuperDwagy will do have a great holiday I know you hate this but THANX FOR ALL THE HELP!!! )

 

[solidspine]

I have been off for 3 months and starting again after the holiday's, taken breaks like this before, only to benefit...................

 

[satchboogie]

nothing wrong with a few days off every now and then.
in fact, i take 4-5 days rest every few months or so.

you come back strong as a horse!

 

[et2001]

nothing wrong with a few days off every now and then.
in fact, i take 4-5 days rest every few months or so.

you come back strong as a horse!

I've been training for nearly 15 years and I used to feel like I would die if I took a break, but the more mature you get in bodybuilding, you realize that taking breaks are very beneficial!! Last year I went through the worst time in my life (challenging) and it caused me to miss about seven months (the longest I had ever missed was about 2 weeks prior to this). I was so depressed, to say the least. I am 5' 9" and I weighed around 240 with 5% bodyfat. Well, I went from 240 to about 200 and people could not believe it was me, it was horrible, but you know what, as soon as I came back, I gained very quickly. I am now back to around 220 and probably am going to stay here, it's more realistic for me. That time last year taught me that the world will not end if I don't workout. Don't get me wrong, You don't need to get lazy, but don't freak out by missing the gym. It helps you not only physically, but mentally as well.

 

[SuperDawgy]

Awesome you wiped away all the guilt I had about it! Honestly I was sitting here feeling like shit now I feel 100 percent better thank you all!!

SuperDwagy will do have a great holiday I know you hate this but THANX FOR ALL THE HELP!!! )

No problem bro, live strong.