should I take a break for a week?

W

Walker

0
I've been lifting weights since the beginning of the year and haven't really taken a prolonged break except skipping the odd session when I had colds etc.
My job has been hectic recently and I'm physically and mentally tired. I struggled through my last weights session on Saturday and I don't feel really up to my usual Monday afternoon one today. Just want some advice - should I take a break this week and let my body recover, or should I plough on and make myself get through it? I don't like the idea of losing progress by skipping sessions, but on the other hand, would I be better just recharging and going at it 100% next week?

Any advice appreciated.

Walker.
 
I'm not sure if you should take an entire week off. It usually takes the body 24hrs to recover from an intense workout. If you really want to take that week off, i recommend you do some excercises without weights like push ups, etc... I'm sure after not working out for two days you'll go back to it.
 
I'm not sure if you should take an entire week off. It usually takes the body 24hrs to recover from an intense workout. If you really want to take that week off, i recommend you do some excercises without weights like push ups, etc... I'm sure after not working out for two days you'll go back to it.
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Actually it takes the body around 48 hours to recover. It would be fine to take the week off. Actually, I would take anywhere between 9-14 days off for a deconditioning phase. You may actually find yourself gaining strength during this period because you are giving your muscles proper time to recover. Do not do this too often, however. Maybe once every 2 months or so. You may be overtraining. If you are feeling both mentally and physically drained before your workouts and you are losing strength then you may have a problem with your diet, not sleeping enough, and yes the infamous overtraining problem may be coming into play here.
 
Thanks for the comments. I think my lack of energy recently is down to getting stressed at work (like I said, it's been busy) and then not getting enough sleep (I'm one of these who needs a good 8 hours). My diet has been consistent the past couple of months so I figure it's just the extra stress and working hours etc. I'll take ur advice and rest a week, hopefully come back full strength. Hopefully overtraining isn't an issue - b4 the busy period at work I was having really productive workouts and feeling great. I'll wait and see.

Thanks guys.
 
yeah - by the sound of your post you already knew the answer!

Take a week off by all means!
 
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