a week off and everythings better
So last Sunday, after feeling like mush, having weird pains and the like, I decided to take off last week. Monday - Friday and start back Saturday using a combination of the last workout I was testing out and some of Hamilkar’s giant sets. Well, I was impressed with what the rest has done for me.
1) I’m able to do a crap load of a lot more volume work without becoming extremely winded
2) Intervals on the stepmill at a slightly higher setting than my usual wasn’t bad at all. It means I need to go up.
3) The sledgehammer nor the tire totally floored me this weekend.
Unfortunately, its not like I gained significantly noticeable amounts of muscle and lost crazy amounts of fat during this time off like I was hoping. I’m just … better. Well, maybe I did. Guess I’ll take pics next time.
Phew, but geez … I gotta do this crap again for 12 weeks. Madness I tell you. Madness.
May 29, 2008 at 1:09 am
you don’t know how much I understand where you’re coming from. I mean really.
Thats why this time around I have a goal - 12 weeks - and bulldog focus. Yes rest can do tons though I need to get over the guilt for resting (I know. Silly girl.)
I love that feeling of being more capable dont you? You’ll see the changes you want - keep at it. You’re stuck on awesome anyway
:-D
June 23, 2008 at 12:19 pm
IMO, You did the right thing but had the wrong expectations.
Your body ached, u listened and rested.
As for gaining more muscle, etc. Course not silly rabbit.
You gave the fibers a chance to repair, this time more stronger thus allowing you to lift heavier and get bigger.
I rarely take a week off - usually I rely on the semester break to interrupt my training. Now that i’m out of school, i’ll have to reconsider this.
Anyways, whenever I came back, I was stronger and refreshed and could go longer, heavier, etc. which is what you experienced.
Conclusion: Good decision, Great (but delayed) results.