Taking time off from the gym?

Dtm115300 · 13-May-04, 11:01 AM

I was thinking about taking some time off the gym. Maybe a week. This week ive been having a big lack of energy. I thought it was because i started a new routen this week. I was working out body parts that should not be worked out together. I was doing Chest/Back, Shoulders/Arms, Legs and did cario on all days. Now i do Chest/Triceps/Abs, Shoulders/Biceps/Back, Legs. And for thursday and friday i do 20mins of Cardio.

My whole week worked out fine till today when i wanted to do my cardio didn't make it to the gym and i think im alittle sick. Should i just go 2marrow of take the time off till i feel i can do my work out?

Andrea · 13-May-04, 11:26 AM

I wouldn't stop going to the gym. Escpecially for a week, because you don't need to get used not to going.

**kungfu74** · 13-May-04, 11:34 AM

lot's of people take breaks from the gym... if you follow Max OT style training they suggest you take 1 week off from lifing every 8 weeks or so to let your body fully recover. To each his own right.....

rrouleau · 13-May-04, 01:55 PM

yeah take a couple days off and get some rest. Its not gonna hurt ya!

chloe_girl · 14-May-04, 05:05 AM

A week off could be a good thing. I did it recently due to going on vacation and I went back to find I was stronger than before.

AGJB · 24-May-04, 11:17 PM

how many days a week do you lift? your lack of energy could be due to over training bro...

Dtm115300 · 25-May-04, 01:04 PM

Well i lift 4 days a week and i have two cardio days. but that work out is short like 15mins. I took a week off and went back strong. I think it was lack of sleep and some stress. but im back in the gym and things are going real good right now. Thanks guys for all your help.

Sull · 26-May-04, 11:36 AM

A week off every 8 weeks can help you come back to your routine stronger. Highly recommended! Your body just needs a break every once in a while. Just make sure you make the appropriate calorie cuts and eat clean. I usually do some light cardio on my off week, although some people say take the week off from that as well.

ASS COBRA · 26-May-04, 11:38 PM

I have been taking one body part off each week.

one week do all but chest, next all but legs, etc, etc...

when i resume that muscle group the next week it feels amazingly more solid.

rrouleau · 27-May-04, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASS COBRA

I have been taking one body part off each week.

one week do all but chest, next all but legs, etc, etc...

when i resume that muscle group the next week it feels amazingly more solid.

i Havent heard of that before, Yeah that is a good idea. Ill ahve to try that out.

**Firehawk** · 27-May-04, 12:45 PM

I second taking a week off when you start feeling overtrained. I think it all has to do with what the individual can tolerate. I have been on a week break this week and I start up on Saturday.

Referring to what Andrea said, about not taking time off because it will make you "not" want to go back, I will just say this: If you are determined to make a change in your body, then you will view the week off AS PART OF YOUR TRAINING! Therefore, you need to always be aware that quitting will only make you lose all your gains, and gain fat back faster than you lost it, WAY FASTER!

It is important to listen to your body. Dont mistake laziness for overtraining. I had alot of motivation to still continue working out even though i was going into my workouts with less than optimal energy, and performing worse. My decision was not based on laziness, but the fact that a week of rest to clear my mind, allow me to refocus, and recuperate, was the reason, and I consider it PART OF MY TRAINING, not a break from my training.