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taking a break from weight lifting??

Megdonald1
Megdonald1 Posts: 149 Member
edited January 20 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been lifting fairly heavy (for me) for about a year now. I normally love lifting {I still do cardio everyday as well} but the last couple of days I am just not feeling it like I used to. I am thinking about taking a week, maybe two, off of lifting and just doing cardio. I would really like to hear from all the lifters here as to whether you ever take time off from lifting and will this effect me once I go back??

Replies

  • grantdumas7
    grantdumas7 Posts: 802 Member
    I only take a week or so off it's during the holidays and I can't get to the gym; however, I do deload every so often. Deloading is reducing the intensity and or volume of your workout. This is a good time to work on your form or replace some exercises. Here is an example say you normally Flat bench 225 5x5 you would do Flat bench 155-165 3x5 or dumbbell press 75-80 3x5.
  • willdob3
    willdob3 Posts: 640 Member
    I've taken a week off from lifting before but it was from planned cardio also. At the time I did it everyone I knew would take a week off after completing a specific training plan. It was usually once every 12 weeks.

    After a week off and starting a new training plan it was typical to experience increased energy & strength. There were often nice fat loss results during the week off, too.
  • MikeBenWilliams
    MikeBenWilliams Posts: 53
    Yes, I take a week off every couple of months of straight training. I train usually 5 to 6 days per week so the week off really helps me clear my head and just live life. I still manage my meals and everything the same. After about 5 days I'm really ready to kill the weights again for another month or so. Plus I feel I make better gains with that week off. Best of luck.. :)
  • Birddog6424
    Birddog6424 Posts: 29 Member
    It's good to take a break and recharge now and then.
  • Megdonald1
    Megdonald1 Posts: 149 Member
    Hey you guys! Thanks so much for your input. I am going to take the week off. Started today. It felt so weird not planning on doing any weights!! When I left the gym I almost felt like I had forgotten something. I appreciate everything yall said.
  • jackaroo21
    jackaroo21 Posts: 127 Member
    Taking a week or two off is fine. I take a week off when vacationing and every 3 or four months. You might want to look into a new routine when you get back, its good to switch things up and best to start something new after a break. Enjoy your few weeks of cardio only.
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