Rest

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  Jun 28, 2007 11:27 AM GMT

  Every 3 months, I force myself to take a week-off of gym training because, I feel that my body needs it.
  
  The problem is my mind. I feel so bad during that week. I don't know what to do with my time-off. I feel reckless, my moral goes down... I feel very bad about myself, I go crazy. But, the minute I restart to train, everything goes back to normal.
  
  I'd like to know if there's a problem with myself. If someone have an answer for me, I would appreciate. I wonder if endorphins have something to do with it or just plain guilt.

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  Jun 28, 2007 11:57 AM GMT

  It's you. Stop being a drama queen. Life is so much simpler when you learn how to relax and stop over-analysing everything.

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  Jun 28, 2007 12:48 PM GMT

  Funny you should mention it, today's my rest day (six on, one off), and I woke up at 5:30 a.m. as usual and felt a twang of guilt at not getting up to go to the gym ... and then felt right back asleep. When you're used to a routine, there's always going to be some sort of cognitive or emotional dissonance when you break it. And that's why you have to. Plan ahead next time, figure out positive things to do with the time (take a vacation, if you can) and stay active but in a less focused way than you would at the gym--go for bike rides, walks, etc. Enjoy yourself.
  
  I personally think that relaxing is something you need to train yourself to do if you're anywhere near type-A, but like RedHeadGuy said, things are better when you do.

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  Jun 28, 2007 1:24 PM GMT

  I will take a rest from weight training for a few days but will usually replace it with something else...laps in the swimming pool, jogging around the lake, a yoga class...I sit at a desk all day so aside from the guilt of not doing anything physical, I also find that I feel more balanced and sleep better when I maintain some level of physical activity, even when I am not weight training in the gym.

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  Jun 28, 2007 1:34 PM GMT

  I'm like you. It's a kind of superstition. I haven't ever intentionally taken a break from working out on my regular schedule, but, but sh*t has happened a time or two preventing me from keeping my schedule. It's completely crazy, and I know logically it's not true, but, I can practically feel myself atrophy.

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  Jun 28, 2007 2:30 PM GMT

  Don't worry, caporalpunition, I'm like that too. Rest is necessary because it gives your body time to regroup, repair and recover from the work you've done. If you feel that itchy to do something, you can take an "active rest."
  
  Are there some physical activities you've wanted to try or haven't had time for because of your workout schedule? This is your chance to enjoy and indulge. Going for a bike tour, playing racquetball for the hell of it, long walks along the lake, volleyball, things like that. Projects that you have around the house, like finally getting around to repainting your walls, replanting the garden, building a new shelving unit. You just don't want to go crazy.
  
  And like cureforeverything suggested, try to spend some time to relax and reflect. Taking a sunday afternoon and really reading the sunday paper is a favorite activity of mine. Writing, reading a good book, watching a movie (or adult film if you really want to), just taking some time for you and you alone to relax.
  
  You could also take the opportunity to do some studying. Doing some research on new workouts and exercises, training equipment, supplements and nutrition.

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  Jun 28, 2007 2:51 PM GMT

  Well, you've already acknowledged that the problem is in your head...
  
  It sounds like working out is your addiction. And no addiction is healthy. If you can't take a week off from the gym without feeling "very bad about myself" or going "crazy", I suggest you discuss this with a professional. Working out should not rule your life.

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  Jun 28, 2007 2:58 PM GMT

  I take a week to two off every 8 or 10 weeks. It's actually part of HST. The "deconditioning," as they call the lay-off, lets you start back at lower weights without losing anything and without risking injury by maxing out every set.
  
  I seriously over-trained myself at times in the past. I've learned that "less is more" is often true with weight training.
  
  Usually I do step up my cardio during the layoff.

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  Jun 28, 2007 8:45 PM GMT

  I take a week off from working out more often than I should, due to work, travel, death, taxes, etc. If the hiatus isn't too long, I often find that I'm at least as strong after a week of "rest" and maybe a little stronger than I was before. Usually a little fatter, though.

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  Jun 29, 2007 3:55 AM GMT

  I don't know about the rest of you guys if you experience this, but there is also the shock to your system as well after the break. I feel this when I take time off from strength training then come back.

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  Jun 29, 2007 8:41 AM GMT

  Hehe - I do something similar in that I normally have to take a week off training after each new major tattoo - so as to give the ink and skin time to heal. I used to worry about it at first, but it does actually seem to help stop me overtraining.
  
  Relax, enjoy - look on it as a holiday ;)

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• GQjock
  
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  Jul 01, 2007 4:23 PM GMT

  Taking the week off doesn't mean that you become a total couch potato and do nothing at all
  ...do some walking
  get on a bike a few times
  take the time to research new equipment and/or trainers so when you get back you're good to go

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• Lincsbear
  
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  Jul 04, 2007 11:00 PM GMT

  You need to rest to let your body recover from the damage you`ve done it ie exercise.Otherwise there`d be little point in exercising to start with.I see my two rest days as all part of the same scheme,to achieve a fitter,more toned body.You can`t really separate them!I guess you may be missing the high from the endorphin rush,so you need to do something non-physical to compensate,see a film,meet friends,family,enjoy a meal,whatever.Be careful not to overtrain,or become fanatical about working out.Life`s bigger than exercise!

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