Deload week vs. week off

laurenbastug

I know it's important to have a deload week to give your muscles a break. But is there ever a time a week off is beneficial? Meaning not stepping foot in the weight room, but still remaining mildly active. I know you can end up coming back feeling tighter and even weaker, but was curious what everyone's take on it?

A small percentage of this may be stemming from my need to validate my want to take some time off after going ham in the gym since mid-January.

gamesandgains

Every situation is different. I've taken a week off because I needed a hard reboot mentally and physically. Sometimes it's needed. However, I generally just do a deload if my body is taking too much stress over a period of time.

You can take a week off the gym while remaining active outside of it. Just a thought.

cwolfman13

laurenbastug wrote: »

I know it's important to have a deload week to give your muscles a break. But is there ever a time a week off is beneficial? Meaning not stepping foot in the weight room, but still remaining mildly active. I know you can end up coming back feeling tighter and even weaker, but was curious what everyone's take on it?

A small percentage of this may be stemming from my need to validate my want to take some time off after going ham in the gym since mid-January.

I've actually hit more PRs in the weight room and on my rides after a weeks vacation where I didn't really do any dedicated exercise. I think full stop rest can be very beneficial.

Too much break isn't going to be good though...

laurenbastug

Yeah, totally get that.

I'm thinking I could reap more of the mental benefits from the week off. But like mentioned, not too long that it hinders progress.

Thanks!

DX2JX2

I've taken two weeks off (it was involuntary, but still). When I came back to it, I easily set new PRs shortly after getting back into the swing of things.

SonyaCele

powerlifter's generally take the week off before a meet so they are ultra fresh on meet day.

Willbenchforcupcakes

I don’t take weeks off. I do take light easy weeks after my major competitions.

When I’ve tried taking a week off, my body just doesn’t like it. The nerve issue in my neck and upper back flares up and takes a month or so to calm down to normal levels. Joints ache from the lack of work. It’s just not worth it for me.

jjpptt2

I deload when my muscles/body call for it... I take time off when my mind calls for it.

deload = physical break
time off = mental break.


At least for me.

mutantspicy

I'll sometimes take a week or two, to do different type workout altogether. So I'll do dynamic stretch routines, yoga, pilates, isometric routines or maybe an aerobics session. I find that if I take a week off from heavy lifting, I come back to weight room with a fury, and have really strong week. That's when you get those beloved sore muscles from doing it right.

mutantspicy

jjpptt2 wrote: »

I deload when my muscles/body call for it... I take time off when my mind calls for it.

deload = physical break
time off = mental break.


At least for me.

Agree totally