Taking a rest week?

xxharleyquinnxx
xxharleyquinnxx Posts: 166 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Advisable or not? Normally every 8 weeks I have a weeks rest from exercising. I've read online you should do this but just wondering if other mfp people do it? I feel really guilty when I don't exercise but I literally exercise 6-7 times a week (alternating from week to week) so am just wondering if people can advise. Is a week too much? Will I lose my fitness in that amount of time?

Thanks everyone!

Replies

  • jbmackey5
    jbmackey5 Posts: 42 Member
    wondering the same for me. been going non stop for 22 weeks without missing a workout and ive been dragging bad the past two weeks. Thinking of doing a deload week this week because im going to be very busy at work.

  • richardgavel
    richardgavel Posts: 1,001 Member
    jbmackey5 wrote: »
    wondering the same for me. been going non stop for 22 weeks without missing a workout and ive been dragging bad the past two weeks. Thinking of doing a deload week this week because im going to be very busy at work.

    A deload week does not mean a rest week. Traditionally deloading means to reduce the intensity, such as reducing the amount of weight you lift or the pace you run. An active rest period might be a good option physically and mentally.
  • bbell1985
    bbell1985 Posts: 4,571 Member
    I take a deload. After I max out or after I've run a cycle, I reduce volume and/or intensity for a week.

    I maxed out last week so this week will be light to nothing. Also nursing a brand new back tattoo so bench and squat are out of the question for a few days. I will literally not lift for at least 5 days which is the longest I've ever gone.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    Unless you are injured or following some ridiculously intense program, it's not likely to need an entire rest week. A deload at best depending on your intensity.
  • Willbenchforcupcakes
    Willbenchforcupcakes Posts: 4,955 Member
    The most I'll do is four rest days in a row. Any more than that and a long term nerve injury starts acting up.

    The last time I tried a full week to just relax, it took longer to feel back to normal, almost a month. That being said, I take an easy deload fun week after major comps, two after my last one in a year.
  • Alisonswim46
    Alisonswim46 Posts: 208 Member
    The only time I've taken an entire week off is when I get sick. Sick enough to a. Not get anyone else sick and b. Rest so I can feel good when I get back at it. It's been a long time since I've taken a week though.
  • canadianlbs
    canadianlbs Posts: 5,199 Member
    i stopped feeling guilty the first time i let the guilt stop me from resting when really it was the main thing i wanted to do.

    resting is good, but i guess mileage varies on whether you need to do it by some generic schedule, or just play it by your own personal ear. i'm doing wendler right now so the deloads that are built into each cycle seem to stave off the need.
  • buffalogal42
    buffalogal42 Posts: 374 Member
    I was forced into a mostly rest week this week due to my gym closing because of a virtual blizzard, my trainer being sick and having work guests in for several days. While my body was thankful for the "recovery" time, I really struggled at the gym today. Everything that was normally easy was a struggle. But I actually appreciated the rest after 6 months "on!"
  • beautifulwarrior18
    beautifulwarrior18 Posts: 914 Member
    Perfectly fine as long as that week doesn't completely derail you.
This discussion has been closed.

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