Should I take a week off?

[Neo22]

I've been lifting for about the last 8 months straight with this workout split.
Mon : Back/biceps
Tuesday : chest/triceps
Weds: Off
Thursday : Legs
Friday : SHoulder/Traps
My gains have started to dwindle recently though and I was thinking that maybe it would be good to take a full week off. Any opinions or advice?
Thanks

 

[big4life]

I like to take time off every so often just to stay fresh. It works for me.

 

[b fold the truth]

I didn't even take a week off from the gym the week that I tore my left hamstring. I did take a week off after my last contest in Boston...and I flew about 6,000 miles the next day and couldn't get to a gym that week (with a newly partially torn hamstring).

I don't take a week off but I will go in the gym and cut both my sets and my weights in half.

B True

 

[rogerthedog]

If you're thinking about doing it then you probably should.
You won't lose anything and will probably come back refreshed.

 

[WalkingBeast]

If youre feeling burnt out, a week can be very good for recovery. Especially joints. Ive taken a week off and come back strong, but Ive also done it and came back weak. I think it has alot to do with how you eat. You might want to throw a light day of chest into your "off" week however. I know if I skip chest, I often pay for it with a loss in strength. Many people dont have that problem though. If you feel it would be beneficial go for it. You wont lose much, and you may come back stronger the following week.

 

[Smurfy]

8 months straight is a long time without a break or rest period. i would suggest a break indeed.

 

[string_bean00]

I've gone a solid 8 months without a break, and my joints started to kill me. I took a week off, and I was good to go again.

 

[he-man]

take it

 

[BOOEY]

8 months straight is a long time without a break or rest period. i would suggest a break indeed.

Word

 

[WalkingBeast]

I've gone a solid 8 months without a break, and my joints started to kill me. I took a week off, and I was good to go again.

Ive gone years without a break. I was real against the idea for a long time, but when Im at my peak, a small break of 4-7 days can be a good thing. I dont do this often at all however. Its pretty rare.