Training break

[sinbad]

How many weeks in a row do you lift heavy before taking a break?

[mombasa3]

I'm 46, I'm sure most people here are much younger, but I tend to take a couple of days off every 5 or 6 weeks, even if I feel just fine. This is kinda funny, but whenever the weather changes and I feel it in my joints, I will just take the day off and not worry about it.

[JPM]

Usually I'll take a week or two off every 6-8 weeks. Good for the body, mind & soul. Good Luck.

[blondmusclhunk]

Ill usually take a break when i know my body needs it.  You have to be really in tune with your body.  When I go on vacation i usually take a break for a week maybe twice a year.  It all depends

[kicker]

I usually take a break every 12 weeks or so.

[benchthis]

never im hardcore 

[haider]

9 weeks into this routine, and I'm feelin the effects of overtraining, the worst one being that it seems I can never get enough sleep  But Ive made a shitload of gains and am still making progress, so I'm currently overacheiving on the PR's so I can take some time off already (or deload).

[Overload]

Listen to your body, you will feel run down at times and i can usually tell when i need some time off. i usually take 1 week off every 10-12 weeks depending on how i feel. every christmas break i take 2 weeks off and i feel great once i get back in the gym. if you are training intense and eating enough you will only come back stronger from a short layoff.

 

[GET_BIGGER]

I usually end up taking 3-4 days off every 3 months on average.  Usually 3 months is as long as my body can handle it before a short break.

[jpeso]

I don't use a set schedule or anything, but sometimes I feel the effects of overtraining creeping up.  Also i use any business trip as a chance to take time off

[blondmusclhunk]

I always come back feeling stronger.  It give the chance for not only you muscles to repair completely but also your joints and tendons.

[triple_pickle]

anytime i feel close to being overtrained, usually every 10-12 weeks.  i take a week off, pig out on food, come back with more energy.

[dontknowit]

Never;

I change the routine to basic movements, high reps => +16 and just do it,
there is no need to take a break, just don't train heavy,
do more reps to give your CNS a rest.

[pumpster]

there is no need to take a break, just don't train heavy,
do more reps to give your CNS a rest.

A break from heavy weights will help the CNS, but a break of even a day or two is better than continuing when a rest will help future workouts be better. Of course you can train through it, but at some point the intensity's gonna suffer.

[davie]

Im thinking of taking this week off. I dont want to, but recently started new routine which im enjoying but i havnt had full week off for a while. Im on break from uni at the mo and was gonna go to gym 2day, but i plaeyd golf wi dad this morning then went out for lunch,came home and fell asleep for last couple hours, im nackered.
Iv got to get more protein powder etc this week & get things set up for diet etc, so i think il spend this week doing that and giving body a rest+iv still got 7's rugby to play this week and will have rugby traiing on tuesday and thursday+game on sat so no weights for a week could b ok.

davie