We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Recharge period

Jamal_Guildford
Jamal_Guildford Posts: 214 Member
edited February 26 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi,

A fitnness magazine recommends to take a full week off after 2 full months of solid training: weights and cardio. I was wondering when do you take a week off from the gym?

Jamal

Replies

  • Shawshankcan
    Shawshankcan Posts: 900 Member
    I don't.
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    Maybe some lighter, high quality movement once a month or two for me. Or a volume deload. Depends what I'm doing at the time.

    I need it more frequently now I'm hitting 40 than I used to. Or maybe I'm just more in tune with my body now I'm older?

    But doing nothing? No.
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    I try to take a rest week every 6 - 8 weeks. I'm 50, if I go for 3 months without a break I get run down. It's counterproductive.
  • accelerashawn
    accelerashawn Posts: 470 Member
    I will only take a full week off if I come down with some random illness that requires a week of recovery...or if i broke my arm i might take a week off...haha.

    Really you just need to listen to your body...if you listen hard enough it will tell you when you need a rest. You might start getting really tired, sleep deprived, unmotivated...and if that happens you might need a couple days to recover and come back strong.
  • Carrieendar
    Carrieendar Posts: 493 Member
    I take weeks off after races- or at least a "down week." After a marathon, I will take off a complete week. AFter a shorter race, I might take 2-3 days off then run very very easy for 2-3 days. I often take off weeks from weights and other cross training (weeks before and after races).
  • xcalygrl
    xcalygrl Posts: 1,897 Member
    I usually take a rest day every week.
    After a long obstacle course race, I take a few days (depending on soreness).
    I don't take a rest week every 6-12 weeks.
  • CrusherKun
    CrusherKun Posts: 353 Member
    It is important to do from time to time as your body will need to recoup and heal, especially if you are doing very strenuous workouts. I think the week idea is geared towards those who are into heavy lifting as the muscles need time to heal and repair to allow for bigger gains in the future. But in the end its all about listening to your body and avoiding overtraining.
This discussion has been closed.