What criteria do you use to take breaks from the gym?

[thebrick]

A little downtime is beneficial every now and then. To let your body rest, recharge and recoup at all levels.

Do you prefer going by the calendar? i.e. every so many weeks? …or even months? Or do you prefer just using the "how you are feeling" as a guide? Maybe you prefer "active rest"? That is, still hit the gym but just train very briefly perhaps with light weights or maybe do some cardio only?

Personal thoughts?

 

[Flex2019]

I go by whatever signals my body gives me. For instance, my biceps tendons were starting to get extremely sore in the last couple of weeks, so I decided to take a few days off. No bicep training or pulling motions of any kind until next week. I hate missing training days but I hate getting hurt a lot more.

 

[jmc3mjc1]

At the end of a training cycle, whether it be 8,12 or 16 weeks. Usually get incredible pumps my first week back after these minor breaks. Never train on my families 2 weeks of vacationing each year as well.