Do you take breaks between programs?

[StevenNevets]

I heard you're supposed to take a week off in between programs but I'm not sure that's true.

The thing is my 12 week resistance program ends this week yet I'm going away for august 16-24 and won't be bringing equipment.

Next week should I start week 1 of the next 8 week program or what?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

A de-conditioning week is good once in a while. After 12 straight weeks, it will do you good to lay off the lifting for the listed dates and just do some cardio, stretching, etc.

 

[StevenNevets]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
A de-conditioning week is good once in a while. After 12 straight weeks, it will do you good to lay off the lifting for the listed dates and just do some cardio, stretching, etc.

Will do, no problems with switching programs without a break though? (the break would be after 1st week of new one)

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: StevenNevets

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
A de-conditioning week is good once in a while. After 12 straight weeks, it will do you good to lay off the lifting for the listed dates and just do some cardio, stretching, etc.

Will do, no problems with switching programs without a break though? (the break would be after 1st week of new one)

Wouldn't know, I was never on any "Programs" . I would just switch things around, add certain exercises and drop others, switch the days I work certain muscle groups, increase cardio, decrease cardio, take a week or so to recuperate from a long stretch of lifting for months on end, etc.

 

[brikis98]

It's kind of hard to answer your question without more info. What "programs" are you talking about? What are your goals? What is your experience level?

In general, the best advice is to:

(1) Listen to your body. If you are feeling extremely tired, are experiencing overtraining, etc it's probably time for some rest.
(2) Depending on your experience level and how well adapted you are, as well as the volume/intensity/frequency of your workout, a scheduled break every now and then is also a good idea. For example, with Crossfit, which is extremely high intensity 5-6 days per week, rest is recommended every 4 weeks or so. With something lower intensity, like a typical 3 days per week strength training routine, a break every 8 weeks or so is often recommended.

In both cases above, what I mean by "rest" is to either take a few days off where you don't work out at all or, continue to work out, but do an entire week where you significantly reduce the volume/intensity of each workout.