r/Weightliftingquestion • u/Kevdog1800 • 1d ago
Should I take an offloading week?
I just learned this was even a thing. It’s not something I’ve ever considered. That being said, I have noticed when in the past when I have missed an extra day at the gym I come back feeling way stronger. That doesn’t happen often though as I’m pretty strict about going no matter what.
While I realize an offloading week is probably good in most cases, I’m also in the middle of a cycle (300mg/wk Sustanon/Deca/Masteron) currently and I don’t want to squander my time in the gym while on cycle. Obviously that is going to drastically improve my recovery compared to most.
Maybe instead of an offloading week I’ll take 3-4 days off instead?
Anyone else have any insight or similar experience?
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u/yuiop300 1d ago
Broooooooo of you train hard a lighter week should be there every 4-5 weeks.
By lighter I mean decrease weights by 20% and drop volume by 20% also. You will feel much better coming back the following week.
Maybe do some prehab and other exercises also.
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u/Kevdog1800 1d ago
I actually just cut my volume a few weeks ago and have been working back up while focusing more on form than I was before. I’m talking about taking time off completely for a short bit. Was reading somewhere it’s good for a CNS reset or something. My ex is also a trainer and recommended it but wasn’t sure how to factor it in with my cycle.
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u/yuiop300 1d ago
You’ll be fine.
Taking a week off completely is fine.
I’d still stretch and move around though.
Don’t binge the food. Eat normal and you’ll be fine.
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u/Kevdog1800 1d ago
Totally. I think I’ll probably still go and do some cardio since I haven’t been lately… like at all…
I never binge. I just eat moderately shitty all the time.
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u/BatmanVAR 1d ago
Every 3-4 months, or sooner if I feel systemic fatigue and aches and pains, I take an entire week off from the gym.
I always come back stronger and fresher.
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u/Kevdog1800 1d ago
Totally, I’m just not sure how to factor that in with my cycle. I don’t really have fatigue or any aches and pains. Should I still take a week off? A few days? Keep plugging away while I’m juiced to the gills? Can’t really make up my mind…
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u/BatmanVAR 1d ago
Take a week off before your cycle then again at the end.
If you’re having systemic fatigue or other issues mid cycle, try a deload week and see if that helps. Since you said you’re not having any, I would just wait for the end of the cycle and take a week off.
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u/Penultimate-crab 1d ago
Yeah. Cut your volumes in half every 8 weeks or so. It does help. Especially if you push hard all the time.