Scared of taking a week off.

[bds20002002]

Iv been lifting heavy for 12 weeks. never missed a workout or a meal.

My shoulder is acting up so im considering taking a week off.

I am terrified. I was thinking. How about i take the week off, with one exception. I go in the middle of the week and do a deadlift workout. lets say 3 sets of 8 reps. and thats it for the week.

Just to let my body know its expected to continue to produce testosterone!!!!!

comments?

 

[JOKER47]

If you need a week off, take a week off. Don't lift, don't go to the gym, don't think about it. You'll be fresh when you go back.

I am finishing a week off right now, and my appetite is returning, my energy is returning and my desire is returning.

When you need it, TAKE IT!


.02,
Joker

 

[IronLion]

For about five years I never went more than 2-3 days out of the gym, since I started reading here and realizing the benefits of ar and just plain rest I have been taking off days more frequently and it has definately kept me moving forward. Taking time off is critical for those of us that aren't currently assisted in the recovery dept.

 

[The Red Dragon]

You became that big naturally? I'm very impressed.

 

[pwr_machine]

I've had about 3 weeks off due to biceps tendonitis and I haven't lost any size in my arms. And I know my strength will come back within a week or two once I get back into the gym.

 

[NWinters]

i set all kinds of pr's when i took a week off.......hit the SWAIN hard!!!!! And rest.

 

[THE HUMUNGUS]

I take a month off from everything once a year and only get bigger and stronger every year

 

[ZGzaZ]

my friend just took a week off, came back stronger than before, and also felt a ton better in the gym ...you body is being pushed more than the average person, it needs that time every once in a while. Just make sure you're keeping protein high, and eating enough cals so you won't drop strength!!

 

[phatman42]

Just come back from 2 weeks holiday. No lifting whatsoever, and loads of healthy eating

Seated GM went from 130x3 -> 140x7

Tri Exts went from 80x3->100x4

If you train hard during your training cycles, you'll find 1-2 weeks break every few months works WONDERS!!

 

[MissChris]

I once went for 5+ months without a break that was longer than the occasional full weekend off. I, too, was really paranoid about taking a break (would I gain fat? would I lose muscle? would I fall off course and not go back?). So I kept going to the gym, and my enthusiasm for it dwindled bit by bit until it was somewhat of a chore.

Well, guess what happened next?

I overtrained myself to the point where I didn't want to get out of bed one morning. My body ached so bad and I barely had the energy to get myself to the shower, nevermind pick up a weight or get on the treadmill. So I took a week off. That week turned into two weeks, but oh well. I just did NOT want to do anything but sit around and watch TV and play video games. But that was okay -- I needed that!

I dragged my lazy ass back in two weeks later, tail between legs. That was June. It's almost August and I'm back with a vengeance. I'm progressing (albeit way more slowly than I should be, but that's another story altogether...) and, most importantly, my heart and my head are in it again.

I think taking breaks is the key to keeping your body and your heart in it -- taking them before you realize you need them, too. After all, what's it all worth if you're not enjoying what you're doing?

Take your break, and feel good about it! I'd suggest not even looking at the gym while on hiatus, but that's ultimately up to whatever you want and are comfortable with. But I assure you, these guys are right! It sure won't hurt ya!

 

[Parabellum]

Take the week off, it will give your body time to rest. You will come back stronger.

 

[Deleted member 33117]

Everyone is right. Take a week off, eat clean, rest. You'll be glad you did.

 

[louden_swain]

I took a layoff a few weeks ago. . it did wonders.

Don't be affraid. . .let your body rest.

Good luck!

 

[ffknight84]

i might take a week off now and just eat super clean, my job and about 2 miles a night will keep the weight down. I may just do BW pushups and squats every night...

 

[MissChris]

my job and about 2 miles a night will keep the weight down

Are you referring to running nightly? Don't be afraid to just do your body a favor and take a *real* break.

Millions of people around the world maintain their weight steadily without exercise. Not that I advocate that lifestyle, but I'm just saying that your body is smarter than that. Weight gain over a week's time just won't happen unless you make some significant dietary changes during that period. What goes in your mouth is the number one factor.

IMO the major factor in taking a break is making sure to get back in there after your scheduled time off. Sometimes, the longer you are away, the easier it is to procrastinate getting back on the ball. But if this is what you should be doing and if it's something you've got your heart in, that won't be a problem. Relax your body and mind if you believe it's time for a break. I promise it will work out just fine. ;-)