Does anyone here take a break from lifting every 12 weeks? If so, do you completey rest or do you do small, non vigorous workouts during that week? Do you take a break from cardio as well? I am at that point and kind of confused. I am afraid I will lose all I have gained if I stop for a week. Any advice from experienced lifters would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

I take a break every 3-4 months, although sometimes it works out to be more. In the last two months, I went away for 2 weeks, had a high school reunion in town for almost a week, and next month, I will be incapacitated for about 4-5 days. Those count as my breaks this summer.

You should be taking a break from all exercise periodically. This gives your body a chance to absolutely relax and rest. (Walking and daily activity don't count.) You will find that it will take only 1-2 workouts to get back to where you were and in fact, progress because you are refreshed. You won't lose what you have gained; that only happens with an extended break.

Of course, your eating has to stay on track.

I agree with Belle, you need a break once in a while... I don't usually take intended breaks, my body after 3-4 months is so tired that I don't feel like going to the gym and I want to sleep all week... I've finally realized that it's my body telling me "Take a freakin' break lady" ... It feels good to take a break and you feel so good and ready to get at it once you return to the gym...

I end up taking breaks usally from traveling (work or vacation, though sometimes I'm at a hotel that has a decent workout room) and come back just fine. I went to England for 3 weeks last year, which was probably my longest break. We did tons of walking so cardio was sort of covered, but the only weight I lifted was my suitcase. When I went back to it at home I'd not lost any strength - that is, I could still lift the same weight as when I left. A break from cardio may set you back a little bit, but you'll be back to where you were much more quickly than it took you to get there in the first place (if that makes sense). Rest is good.

When you guys break do you do absolutely nothing? Meaning no cardio or weights? I think I've heard the term thrown out "active rest", what is that?

I rarely take total breaks. I do different things- like take a pilates class, go for bike rides, walks, but avoid the heavy lifting for a week. Or I'll do 3 full body, light weight- high rep workouts. Not really a total rest, but very different from my usual routine.

Otherwise, rests have been because of vacations- but I'm fairly active on vacations.

I suspect my body parts would appreciate a total rest. I'm going to be gymless for about two weeks, so I may have to try this resting thing

Mel

Thanks Mel for your response. I am very gun shy about taking a total abstinence from my exercise for a day, much more a week
I know how I am after 40 years and I have to stay moving or else one day will slip into two, etc. I think as long as I moved (bike riding, walking, etc) I will keep that one hour dedicated daily. I just didn't want to mess my body up and have to sit on the sidelines because of being stupid.

No, the break isn't into total slothfulness (unless I'm sick), but rather no formal exercise. On vacation I always walk a lot. Active rest is what softballmom has mentioned: bike riding, walking, etc., keeping moving but not "formal exercise."

When I'm off from the gym I still am fairly active....