Over 40 Guys - Do you schedule off weeks?

triathloncoach · Aug 18, 2009

I'm 46, and have been training for 30 years. I was just thinking that I haven't missed more than 2 consecutive days of working out in more than 14 months. Of course some of my workouts are considerably more intense than others. I'm on HRT and I feel great. But it's probably counter productive not to take a week off from the weights once in a while.

I'm going to Florida for 3 days this weekend and I was trying to locate a local gym when I realized that it's probably better if I just skip the exercise.

Do you guys "Periodize" your workouts for time off? I guess I'm new to DVDs and figured I could just keep marching. I still love going to the gym - or hitting the weights in my basement.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Nssca · Aug 18, 2009

I'm 46 as well and Ive always taken a week to 10 days off every 8-12 weeks. No training at all just some light walking outside with the wife and stretching everyday. The older ya get the more you need a little break. But I benefited from taking a break way back when I was in my 20's too.

ericraven2003 · Aug 18, 2009

Since getting back in shape 1 year ago, I work out at least 6 days a week, but I am never in the gym more than 50 mins and that includes my cardio(swiming). I am 37 but close to 40. I have a all or nothing personality. Heck, I have been on vacation 4 times in the last year and worked out every day while on vacation. Working out also is like my drug. It keeps me very mellow. I very rarely get mad. I need it.

Dens228 · Aug 18, 2009

I'm 45, I used to take a week off every 8 weeks or so but still would hit the weights lightly.

Now I don't plan taking time off. If I feel I need a day off I take it. If something comes up out of the blue that makes me miss a day I look at it as an added day of rest, but that situation rarely comes up since I work out first thing in the morning.

My workouts are also short and hard, rarely in the gym longer than an hour.

robot · Aug 18, 2009

I don't schedule them but they definitely happen.

j4ever · Aug 18, 2009

im 43, week off every 12 weeks.

Thick1 · Aug 18, 2009

I'm 53 and I listen to how my body feels and take breaks accordingly. I find it as important to rest as it is to train, seems at an older age the muscles have a longer recooperation period and rest does the muscles good. I feel my muscles are fuller and stronger after resting for about a week.

1badboy · Aug 18, 2009

I'm 47 and training DC-style, so there are the "cruise" phase every 6-10 weeks which entails at least 1 week off for me- sometimes 10 days. It works perfect for me. The only challenge for me was learning to stay OUT of the gym as much as I was used to- mentally it hurt to only go 3 days a weeks, but I love it now, and need the extra rest. It really is good for my mind and CNS to "cruise".

EDIT: The trick is you do not "schedule" a cruise- you blast until your body tells you it needs a rest- you cannot plant that "in 8 weeks I will take a week off" or it defeats the purpose.

ace24 · Aug 19, 2009

I am 47 and I look forward to taking a week off every two to three months. My body tells me it is time to just sit back and recoup either by walking or riding the bike with NO weights!! I seem to come back with more energy and a better attitude.

buck · Aug 19, 2009

I am 49 and the only extended time off I have had from the gym is after recovering from a surgery or if I am on vacation. And I have not had either one of those in a few years. I think talking a week off or more on acassion can be good to let the joints heal some. But I have not put it into practice yet!

rtm · Aug 19, 2009

Not scheduled, but there are times when I dont make it

kid1dakota · Aug 19, 2009

41 here and just back off intensity if needed is what I do.If I take time off 1 day turns into 2 etc.. I do much better when sticking to the same routine.

Otis T Holbrook · Aug 19, 2009

I'm 65 (I know, older than dirt) and I do periodize for time off. If something unusual comes up, well that's an additional day off most of the time. I don't sweat the catch-up sessions as much.

JETHRO TULL · Aug 19, 2009

Triathalon Coach, I never have scheduled any breaks.

It no doubt has value and would most likely be beneficial.

My self loathing is such that I will not bring myself to rest much.

RV63T · Aug 19, 2009

im 46 bro and i dont schedule time off but there are time i just cant make a workout for one reason or another. then thers times a just feel i need to take a week and recoop and then hit it fresh. but about 2 times a year for me i actually just came off a 2 week rest well not so much rest but my job had me on 10 hours 7 days. after that i needed a couple weeks. just take it if you need it it aint the end of the world enjoy vaction.

heavyiron · Aug 19, 2009

The older I get the more off time I need. A week off twice a year is a must for me.

Ironraider · Aug 19, 2009

1badboy said:
I'm 47 and training DC-style, so there are the "cruise" phase every 6-10 weeks which entails at least 1 week off for me- sometimes 10 days. It works perfect for me. The only challenge for me was learning to stay OUT of the gym as much as I was used to- mentally it hurt to only go 3 days a weeks, but I love it now, and need the extra rest. It really is good for my mind and CNS to "cruise".

EDIT: The trick is you do not "schedule" a cruise- you blast until your body tells you it needs a rest- you cannot plant that "in 8 weeks I will take a week off" or it defeats the purpose.

X2...if not I'll enter the overtraining zone...breaks are necessary.

big E · Aug 19, 2009

I alaways take a week off in late july when I go on vacation with my family. Alot of walking and swimming but do not touch a weight. Then in nov or dec I will schedule 3-4 days off. Other than that, unless there is an emergency, I never miss a workout and my schedule is 6-7 days a week. Those scheduled breaks keep me energized for all my workouts until the next scheduled time off. this is been my training philosiphy for over 20 years off hardcore training!

Pumped1 · Aug 19, 2009

damm guys,

your making me feel bad and lazy now, i am 28 and just took a full week off after 4.5 full months....
i think this is good to do a few times a year...