Taking a break "every 12 weeks"... what do you do?

Hi All -

I think we've all heard the advice to "take a break from exercise every 12 weeks"

My question is: What do athletes do?  Do they take a break from their training too?  If so, what do they do?  Nothing?  

How about here: Do you take a break?  If so, what do you do?

I think about it, but am not sure I'd know what to do with myself!  Can I hike a up a steep hill, or am I limited to meandering with my in-laws at a snails pace?

Ha Ha!

That is so weird because I was just going to post a topic on this. I was planning to take a week off pretty soon, but there is one thing I am confused on. Do you take a week off lifting, or exercise in general? I would like to still do my three HIIT sessions. However, HIIT is high intensity exercise, and would probably defeat the purpose of taking the week off..LOL

I'm not due for a break yet, but in a couple of weeks, when I do get one, I'm going to take a break from lifting, and I'll probably do HIIT twice that week. But, I'm definitely not going to become sedentary that week. I'll still continue to play sports with my kids and walk at lunch. It will be more for fun than exercise.

Yes, athletes take a break! People who are really pushing themselves/building muscle, are more opted to go every 8 weeks but people who are just cutting can go 12 weeks. As for doing nothing..NO! It's not a Seinfeld type of break ;)..still stay active. Go for walks [I actually walked in a 5 k and a half during my last recovery. Just walked them...nothing more]. I personally do NOT do HIIT during my recovery. I do very, very intense HIIT and it drains me and that is definitely not a good way to recover.

A body needs rest and recovery week just as much as it needs exercise and clean and healthy nutrition.  Plus, you come back so refreshed and enthusiastic...therefore avoiding the burn out!

*just sent you a sim. message for this VMan! :)

Thanks FG!

I always think about this... but I never intentionally do it.  I've taken breaks, but more because of vacation, work travel, etc. and they're not regularly spaced or scheduled.

I will incorporate this into my schedule going forward - I love lifting and high intensity interval cardio, so I'll try to learn to love yoga and soothing walks every 12 weeks.

thanks again!

You don't have to tell me twice! I'm hereby eliminating HIIT during my break! I'll just play with my kids that week, and nothing else :).

I'm taking a break next week.  I'm going to be on vacation, and I plan on doing some walking, and I may go play in the gym at the hotel, and I plan on doing some swimming. 

I do plan on being active and moving around, but for fun!  What I'm not going to do is: pay attention to a HRM, a clock, trying to lift for a personal best or even lift heavy. 

Original Post by karozel:

  What I'm not going to do is: pay attention to a HRM, a clock, trying to lift for a personal best or even lift heavy. 

 SCHWEEEEET!

Have a fabulous vacation. Cheers!!

And, your mighty welcome terra0514...have fun learning to love yoga...if you figure out how to love it..let me know! heehee

lindinig...playing with kids is always fun! I was the only adult - possibly bc I don't have kids of my own yet - at a recent get together outside with the kids, running around, spraying silly string on everyone!

If you do take a break what does it do to your metabolism/endurance....I have not taken a break in a year and a half if you take a break from exercise and you continue to walk or do mild activity for that week does your body pile on the weight?

Original Post by tslate34:

If you do take a break what does it do to your metabolism/endurance....I have not taken a break in a year and a half if you take a break from exercise and you continue to walk or do mild activity for that week does your body pile on the weight?

 You'll come back refreshed. You will not pile on weight in one week....continue to eat well and not survive on doritos and ice cream and you should be fine. [You know your diet plays the biggest role in the literal shape of your body, right? Lift heavy all day and without proper nutrition, you will have zero results except possible damage. Do 5 hrs of cardio every day but survive on fatty junk and you will still be fat!] I am very surprised you have not had burn out! You have not taken a break...at all...in 18 mos? That is not only bad for you physically but mentally, as well.

Take a break..it's all good!  :)

Many people think I am crazy but when you lose 154 lbs you worry aboutgain........i knowi need abreak as iamvery blessed i have notbeen injured......three days off from exercise since January 10th 2008 no injuryno illness and forover ayear of that i wasdoingthirtymiles a day of interval on the recumbent