Enough is enough
I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s probably best that I take an entire week off from lifting in order to give my body a break from constantly working out. I noticed that I wasn’t putting up the same numbers that I used to, and I hadn’t taken a week off from lifting in more than a year.
I’ve done some reading around online and it’s generally recommended that every 6 to 8 weeks of lifting a week off should be taken in order to stimulate muscle growth and allow your body to repair any minor injuries that it may have suffered without you even knowing it (Like microtears) . Those who have taken such time off have said that after returning from their week long break they feel stronger, more energetic, and more motivated to hit the iron than they were before. Whether or not I’d take a week off every 6 to 8 weeks is still something I’d have to think about. I’m personally a fan of listening to what my body is trying to tell me rather than trying to follow some sort of routine that my body can’t fit into.
After a while of lifting you’ll learn to listen to your body. If it starts telling you “no more” by not allowing you to lift as heavy weight as before, then a break might be in order. Also, if you suddenly find yourself lacking the urge to go to the gym, then it might be your body’s subconscious telling you that it needs a little break.
You’ll also begin to notice that a lot of what is behind building muscle varies from person to person; so learning to listen to what your body is telling you and then reacting in the right manner is an invaluable tool to have while in the gym.
I’ll be sure to post my outcome and thoughts on the break when it’s completed. And of course, I’ll be sure to keep the updates coming while I’m off. Who knows what I’ll do with all this spare time for the next 7 days…
