Debate on Rest Days......

vestal · May 19, 2015

So it seems its always 50/50 on how some people say to take rest days and others who say its just lazy people who made up that You need to take rest days to grow. Just wondering yall opinions; Personally I think if u can keep going you prollly dont need a rest day though eventually you will; but this 3 on 2 off or 5 on 2 off split I dont believe in.

Ragin' Cajun · May 19, 2015

Rest day means I'm sick or dying. Or Sunday.

lennoxchi · May 19, 2015

I think if you listen to your body you'll be fine. Someday's i'm just not with it. Every two weeks or so my body says, no not today, and i try and listen, if i don't the workout is normally not very good anyway.

PitbullTank · May 19, 2015

i need a rest day after 2-3 days of training depending on what was done...

little slice · May 19, 2015

I feel that after many years of intense and well-planned and structured training, you can develop the recovery capacity to train more frequently - maybe even every day (for a period of time), but not heavy grinding every day.

I don't feel that this should be continued for a period beyond 3-6 weeks... and really only should be undertaken when the 'stars align'...so to speak.

you would need dietary, health, supplement, sleep, lifestyle, and all other factors to pretty much be in alignment to train everyday.. in an effective manner.

just my .02

destin · May 19, 2015

I train anywhere from 5 to 7 days a week. Each muscle gets a heavier day then if i have the time energy recovery i keep going but the 2nd day in that week its higher reps and things like drop and supersets.

When i wake up i check my calander see if i have the time. Then i sort of have a talk with my body. Hows the joints feeling. Anything to sore.

If im hurting i dont go. Now blasting is where i need to be careful cause the body always thinks its ready.

Also i have no issue if i was wrong and get to the gym i change it up.

I love working out. Its my main hobby. It saved me as i went through divorce. It saved me when i was on the cusp of going down the path of drugs and drinking. So with that being said i love going.

BigDM · May 19, 2015

I've made some of my best gains training only 4 days a week. My joints have thanked me, too

LK3 · May 19, 2015

the cns needs time to recover.

no way you can train with real intensity for more then a few days in a row without feeling it, 2 days in a row is ok, 3 is pushing it for me.

this is in regard to weight training, athletic training is different but still needs to take cns into account.

if you are not doing this you are shorting yourself.

Sir Anabolic · May 19, 2015

4 days a week is the sweet spot for me, 5 max. I always take a rest day after training back and legs.

the_gift · May 19, 2015

Do you guys eat differently on training and non training days?

Say there are a few days I can't make it to the gym. I'll eat normally on my last training day and mb the day after (recovery / building muscle) but on the 2nd and 3rd day after your last session without training ...will you eat less and if so ...how?

nothuman · May 19, 2015

Honestly I've tried both the "overtraining" method and the 4x per week method. I see results no matter what my training routine is, as long as I train smart/hard. I think going every day is fine if you're not trying to build muscle. I think it's good for maintaining and losing fat. I've been going nearly every day lately just because I like to and want to stay the way I look without any drug enhancements.

lvnp814 · May 19, 2015

little slice said:
I feel that after many years of intense and well-planned and structured training, you can develop the recovery capacity to train more frequently - maybe even every day (for a period of time), but not heavy grinding every day.

I don't feel that this should be continued for a period beyond 3-6 weeks... and really only should be undertaken when the 'stars align'...so to speak.

you would need dietary, health, supplement, sleep, lifestyle, and all other factors to pretty much be in alignment to train everyday.. in an effective manner.

just my .02

Agreed. I have pushed my heavy phase a little too long this time and the last 4 weeks have had 4 little nagging injuries occur.

BEASTZ6 · May 19, 2015

If I train heavy for two days, I don't have anything left in the tank for a third consecutive day. I try to train on a 2-on 1-off regimen, but then sometimes life gets in the way and I have to miss a couple of days. Its no big deal, I just pick up where I left off.

Cito33189 · May 19, 2015

I just listen to my body. Sometimes Ill go weeks without taking a day off. If im sore or tired then illtake one. Usually if I take a day off. Ill eat all day excessive amounts of calories, junk. whatever I want. THat usually refuels me and I feel great and look great the next day

dnab87 · May 20, 2015

You guys are running gear and can't train more than 2-3 days consecutively?

InfiniteMuscle · May 20, 2015

Dna, the fact that they are running gear doesn't mean they can train 7x a week at maximum intensity. On or Off the body needs a period of rest and recovery. Maybe not the muscles but the CNS. To answer the op question I justtake one when I feel that I need one, but RARELY will I ever take 2 rest days in a row unless I'm sick on my death bed or vacation! Hah. Sometimes I'll train 2 on 1 off and sometimes I'll train 7 on 1 off.. all depends on how my body is feeling.

nothuman · May 20, 2015

dnab87 said:
You guys are running gear and can't train more than 2-3 days consecutively?

It's not that they can't, it's that they shouldn't.

RamboStallone · May 20, 2015

I listen to my body and it usually goes 2-3 days before I need a rest. I used to train everyday and I was soo burnt out I lost size and strength eventually.

My results have been better with this current method. Sure there are times I take 4 days off in a row because I feel tired, worn out, and need a break. I also feel the workouts are more effective this way because I am 100% recovered coming into most training days.

dnab87 · May 20, 2015

nothuman said:
It's not that they can't, it's that they shouldn't.

Why should you not? With even a decent diet and test you should be able to train non-related body parts consecutively without an issue.

Atexus · May 20, 2015

dnab87 said:
Why should you not? With even a decent diet and test you should be able to train non-related body parts consecutively without an issue.

As stated above, it's not as much that your muscles aren't capable, it's that your CNS tires. If you don't train with much intensity, then you should haven no problem lifting everyday. But for guys who put a lot of effort into each set, your CNS can fatigue...and steroids aren't gonna make your nervous system more capable.