Question: How often should I take off from training? I usually take a few days off around 4th of July and around Christmas. You think that’s enough? Todd V. / Raleigh, North Carolina
Answer: Funny you should ask this question when you did; I’m due for (and in the middle of) some time off, myself.
If you’re training all-out each and every week, then taking off as frequently as every 8 weeks isn’t a bad idea. The Max-OT training program recommends this 8 weeks on, 1 week off rotation. While that program tends to err on the side of recuperating, it’s good, no-nonsense advice.
Maximum Time Off: Train 8 weeks; One week off
I would say taking a full week off after training for 16 weeks is generally what I’d recommend for most people. But I’d also recommend not training quite all-out for two to four of those 16 weeks, too.
Optimal Time Off: Train 16 weeks; One week off
Sometimes I recommend one thing, but often do another. And I have to admit, my time off is one of those “do as I say, not as I do” cases.
I like to travel, go snowboarding, ride a Harley down the coast, … in other words, I like to “enjoy life,” thus I often end up taking a long weekend off from training. So by me having three or four days off from training at least once a month, I find that I don’t need to take many full and complete weeks off. But I honestly feel that I get better results when I train about 16 weeks straight and take a full week off like I recommend.
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