Layoff from training - why cant i see sense?

[Scottish08]

Hey all...im new here.

What do all you bros do here when you need time off training...i dont mean a break which you plan...i mean an unplanned break...as a result of health.

I have had a hard time of it in the past 7-8 months...i was dieting for a photoshoot and i have been pushing too hard with the diet and i have ended up with health problems and a few kidneys issues.

The doctors feel that having restricted my calorie intake too much over the duration of 2010...it has made my body a bit weaker...CNS a little tired...i generally feel exhausted...cold...weak in the gym...etc...

The doctor is continuing to do blood tests...the last set showed kidney problems...thyroid low...testosterone low...and low white blood cell count...and very high urea levels.

He has said i need a complete break from training and to actually eat more calories than i have been doing...so how do i go about this in a mental sense? I have never had more than 1 week off training since i started training 4-5 years ago...

The docs say he would like me to have a 4-5 week rest from training...and i also need to increase my calorie intake...i know i may put on some lbs...i am quite ripped at the moment...so this shouldnt be a problem...and i know my health is more important.

But why can i not seem to be able to relax about this...i know the doctor knows best...why do i feel lazy with resting?

I havent had any cheat food in about 9 months and i havent had more than 1 week off training since i started training.

How would you bros approach this and get your head around the fact you do need to relax and have time off and listen to doctor/and listen to your body?

Be good to hear some of you bros views...i think it helps hearing advice from other people...its just going round and round in my head.

 

[SFW]

I would be morbidly depressed if i had to take a long hiatus from training. Then again, health over vanity...right?

Just indulge now and enjoy.

 

[Scottish08]

I would be morbidly depressed if i had to take a long hiatus from training. Then again, health over vanity...right?

Just indulge now and enjoy.

Thats how i feel...i compete in crossfit...im not a bodybuilder but i do train very intensly and love my training...so i feel quite bad and lazy...i just know the doctor is right but i have never had more than 1 week off training since i started...years ago.

 

[GMO]

I think your case is an unfortunate example of what happens when you don't give your body a break. It is healthy to take a week off from lifting here and there. It is also good for your mental and physical health to allow yourself a cheat meal here and there. I am just guessing, but by your post I can tell that you are a perfectionist. Welcome to the club. I had to learn the hard way as well regarding rest and breaks. If you don't give your body a rest, it will take a rest on its own. This is easier said than done, but enjoy the break as much as you can, and most importantly...learn from this experience, so you don't have to go through this again.

 

[Scottish08]

I think your case is an unfortunate example of what happens when you don't give your body a break. It is healthy to take a week off from lifting here and there. It is also good for your mental and physical health to allow yourself a cheat meal here and there. I am just guessing, but by your post I can tell that you are a perfectionist. Welcome to the club. I had to learn the hard way as well regarding rest and breaks. If you don't give your body a rest, it will take a rest on its own. This is easier said than done, but enjoy the break as much as you can, and most importantly...learn from this experience, so you don't have to go through this again.

Thanks bro!

Yes...thats me...completely obsessed about training and dieting...yet i will never compete or step on stage...i dont want to be a competitive bodybuilder...yet i take it so seriously...no cheats and so on.

 

[Gazhole]

Don't take this the wrong way, but all you need to do is chill the fuck out for a change.

A week off won't kill you. Two weeks off won't make you any weaker or smaller. When you go back after a layoff, within a few sessions you'll be better than ever. Cheat meals are also fun. Enjoy them. Its giving yourself a break that'll keep you sane and enjoying life.

Ask yourself this:

Do you want to train ever again in your life? Then stop training.

If you run yourself into the ground you'll only have yourself to blame when you can't get yourself up again. Be smart about this. You only have one you, so take care of yourself.

 

[Work IN Progress]

I feel worthless when I take more than two days off training too but Gaz is right. I broke my rib 6 weeks ago and took a full 4 weeks off and 2 weeks ago when I went back I hadnt lost a Pound on any exercise and this week Ive increased weight in my lifts. Its true. Rest and Recovery = Strength and Growth. Im not glad I got injured but sometimes it takes an injury to realize how much good a break can benefit you.

 

[Gazhole]

I feel worthless when I take more than two days off training too but Gaz is right. I broke my rib 6 weeks ago and took a full 4 weeks off and 2 weeks ago when I went back I hadnt lost a Pound on any exercise and this week Ive increased weight in my lifts. Its true. Rest and Recovery = Strength and Growth. Im not glad I got injured but sometimes it takes an injury to realize how much good a break can benefit you.

Disclaimer: Neither Work IN Progress or Gazhole intend these comments as endorsement to intentionally fracture limbs. Rest is good, but such drastic measures are un-necessary. Kay?

 

[stevedav]

best of luck and keep it up..

 

[Scottish08]

Don't take this the wrong way, but all you need to do is chill the fuck out for a change.

A week off won't kill you. Two weeks off won't make you any weaker or smaller. When you go back after a layoff, within a few sessions you'll be better than ever. Cheat meals are also fun. Enjoy them. Its giving yourself a break that'll keep you sane and enjoying life.

Ask yourself this:

Do you want to train ever again in your life? Then stop training.

If you run yourself into the ground you'll only have yourself to blame when you can't get yourself up again. Be smart about this. You only have one you, so take care of yourself.

Lol thank u for putting it like that...makes it read more sense when someone tells me like you have put it! I have been running myself into the ground...which is why i now feel like this...thank you for your post.

 

[Scottish08]

I feel worthless when I take more than two days off training too but Gaz is right. I broke my rib 6 weeks ago and took a full 4 weeks off and 2 weeks ago when I went back I hadnt lost a Pound on any exercise and this week Ive increased weight in my lifts. Its true. Rest and Recovery = Strength and Growth. Im not glad I got injured but sometimes it takes an injury to realize how much good a break can benefit you.

Thank you for your post...and yes...i do need to realise to just take the 4-5 weeks off...relax...and rest up.

 

[Scottish08]

best of luck and keep it up..

Thank you steve...

 

[Gazhole]

Generally in a well periodized program you can get away with 1-3 months without a rest. With most programs out there not designed by experts, 6-8 weeks is usually the maximum before either a full week off or an unload is required.

A good way to do it is to take a little of both. Personally i hate unloads, id rather just have a full week off. Halfway through that week, go in and do some light CV, and 2 sets on a few big exercises (Bench, Squat, Dead, Chin) at 50% of the weight you'd usually use for whatever rep range you usually do.

Literally be in and out of the gym in under an hour. Do plenty of stretching afterwards aswell.

That way it doesnt seem so bad sitting at home, and you can actually keep your body ticking over with that session in terms of technique.

 

[fraseram]

I enjoy deload weeks
they feel good and when you come back you are soo much stronger

 

[MDR]

I would be morbidly depressed if i had to take a long hiatus from training. Then again, health over vanity...right?

Just indulge now and enjoy.

I was morbidly depressed after my surgery last year. Got a bit better with time. Not training is tough, but Mr. F is right, you have to think of your health and what's in your own best interests.

 

[ANIMALHAUS]

I would be morbidly depressed if i had to take a long hiatus from training. Then again, health over vanity...right?

Just indulge now and enjoy.

I would be morbidly depressed if I had to deprive my body of it's caloric intake!!!!!!!

 

[ALBOB]

Disclaimer: Neither Work IN Progress or Gazhole intend these comments as endorsement to intentionally fracture limbs. Rest is good, but such drastic measures are un-necessary. Kay?

Great, NOW you tell me. Asshole.