Recharge period

Jamal_Guildford

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

Shawshankcan

I don't.

jimmmer

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

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

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

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

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

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.