Taking a break from working out (recovery week)?

Coconut0406
Coconut0406 Posts: 4
in Health and Weight Loss
I've been doing a p90x/insanity hybrid for the past 6 weeks and went from 135 to 126lbs.
I still want to lose 6-7 more pounds (I'm short and small boned and used to weigh 115) But the problem is I don't think I can keep this up for much longer. I feel great AFTER my workouts but it is still pretty taxing both mentally and physcially.

so I've been thinking of taking a week or two off but I'm not sure what'd be the best way to do this.
I know insanity has something called a recovery week but I don't think I can do the same workout for one week straight. So I need some new ideas.

The best thing I could come up with was either doing strength training 3 times a week or cardio 3 times a week. Which one do you think it's better?

Also, I'm not expecting to lose weight during this period but I'd also like to avoid gaining too much of it back. Any suggestions on what to do? I'm not sure if I should stay on a calorie deficit or eat normally.

Or maybe taking a break/recovery week is a bad idea in itself ? I really don't want to lose all the strength I gained ( not gonna call it muscle gain since I know that can be a controversial issue around here haha)

I just want to be careful

Replies

  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I've found that taking a full rest week about ever 8-12 weeks does me good. And I'm talking a REST week, no planned exercise of any kind (I still walk my dogs, but no weights, running, circuits or anything like that). I still eat well and track all my food.

    At the end of the week, I start back on my workouts and feel refreshed and ready to go!
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Don't be concerned about taking a break, it's actually good for you, and should be done every 2 or 3 months at least. I just took a full week off from exercise, and then when I got back in the gym I felt great and hadn't lost any strength. I can't speak for insanity or P90x because I only do strength training
  • Coconut0406
    Coconut0406 Posts: 4
    I'm glad to hear that :)

    But did you guys gain any weight during that break period?
  • Fitfully_me
    Fitfully_me Posts: 647 Member
    I'm glad to hear that :)

    But did you guys gain any weight during that break period?

    You should only gain weight if you are eating in a surplus during this time. If you are staying within your caloric needs, you shouldn't be worried about gaining weight during this time.

    I take a week off every few months and don't have a problem with gaining during this time, unless I go crazy with what I'm eating. (Like I do on EVERY cruise I've been on :embarassed: )

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