Why is Taking a Break Helpful When Breaking Through a Plateau?

motof · 11-29-2006, 11:12 PM

hey guys

When I was reading through some of the other threads, I think it was one of the ones about breaking through a plateau, I saw one of the suggestions was to take a short break from lifting for a little.

I have actually noticed some helpful gains after taking short breaks but never knew why it happened. I took the breaks on accident because of a busy schedule and never thought of taking one purposefully.

Why can taking a break be helpful when breaking through a plateau?

Thanks!
Motof

Chris · 11-30-2006, 02:42 AM

This will be one of the debated issues of the ages, but my opinion is, from a physical standpoint, taking a break is not helpful and let me explain why. The reason you reach a plateau is that your body is telling you is has adapted to the way you are training it. That doesn't mean you cannot get gains, it means you're overtraining. Now, many people think overtraining means training for too long, like being in the gym for 3 hours a day. It can, but it also means training your body the same for too long. If I've been training with the same rep scheme, same loads, same rest intervals for 3 months, I'm overtraining! My body is for sure adapted to this style and the only way it will respond to this is by continually lifting more, but you can only to that for so long. So, you have to vary your training. But, you don't have to stop training at all. The way build muscle is by putting your body through stress. As long as your diet is in order and you take enough rest before you hit the same bodypart again, there is no need for extended "off" periods.

Now, mentally on the other hand can be beneficial. Sometimes taking a break will help you come back refreshed, energized, and motivated. If that's the case for, then go ahead and take time off. But, remember that's all in your head and you we all have the ability to change our attitude to be in that state everyday if we really want.

Also even if we want to take a break from physically hard training, there are still so many useful things we could be doing in the gym like core training, ab work, working on flexibility, ect. I know I am always looking for more time in the day to get everything I want done. In, the end I just do the most urgent things first, but never take time off completely from the gym because there's always something productive I can do. Hope that helps.

w0cyru01 · 11-30-2006, 05:14 AM

Allows your CNS to have a break and recover.

motof · 11-30-2006, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w0cyru01

Allows your CNS to have a break and recover.

What's your CNS?

& thanks guys

Andrew · 12-02-2006, 10:21 AM

central nervous system i assume.

SarahPT&SN · 12-02-2006, 11:30 AM

There are a lot of viewpoints with this one. It does let the CNS recover. I consider rest just as important for the body as working out itself. When I am focusing on muscle growth taking breaks is critical. I find myself growing much easier if I take frequent breaks for 9-12 days.

My personal belief is that extended rest periods are very important. True, some people thinkt hey are over training and need a break, when in reality they may not be eating enough, or something else.

Sarah

11-29-2006, 11:12 PM	#1
motof Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 146 Reputation points: 17 No blog available. Qualifications Looking to Learn More I've Been to the Gym	Why is Taking a Break Helpful When Breaking Through a Plateau? hey guys When I was reading through some of the other threads, I think it was one of the ones about breaking through a plateau, I saw one of the suggestions was to take a short break from lifting for a little. I have actually noticed some helpful gains after taking short breaks but never knew why it happened. I took the breaks on accident because of a busy schedule and never thought of taking one purposefully. Why can taking a break be helpful when breaking through a plateau? Thanks! Motof __________________ Train till you [[almost]] puke. Attn Personal Trainers & Nutritionists! Please check out / take my polls: Poll: Getting an Edge Over Other Trainers ----------- Poll: How many active clients do you have?

11-30-2006, 02:42 AM	#2
Chris Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 106 Reputation points: 151 No blog available. Qualifications Personal Trainer	Re: Why is Taking a Break Helpful When Breaking Through a Plateau? This will be one of the debated issues of the ages, but my opinion is, from a physical standpoint, taking a break is not helpful and let me explain why. The reason you reach a plateau is that your body is telling you is has adapted to the way you are training it. That doesn't mean you cannot get gains, it means you're overtraining. Now, many people think overtraining means training for too long, like being in the gym for 3 hours a day. It can, but it also means training your body the same for too long. If I've been training with the same rep scheme, same loads, same rest intervals for 3 months, I'm overtraining! My body is for sure adapted to this style and the only way it will respond to this is by continually lifting more, but you can only to that for so long. So, you have to vary your training. But, you don't have to stop training at all. The way build muscle is by putting your body through stress. As long as your diet is in order and you take enough rest before you hit the same bodypart again, there is no need for extended "off" periods. Now, mentally on the other hand can be beneficial. Sometimes taking a break will help you come back refreshed, energized, and motivated. If that's the case for, then go ahead and take time off. But, remember that's all in your head and you we all have the ability to change our attitude to be in that state everyday if we really want. Also even if we want to take a break from physically hard training, there are still so many useful things we could be doing in the gym like core training, ab work, working on flexibility, ect. I know I am always looking for more time in the day to get everything I want done. In, the end I just do the most urgent things first, but never take time off completely from the gym because there's always something productive I can do. Hope that helps.

11-30-2006, 05:14 AM	#3
w0cyru01 Member Snake Champion! Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 93 Reputation points: 47 No blog available. Qualifications Looking to Learn More I've Been to the Gym	Re: Why is Taking a Break Helpful When Breaking Through a Plateau? Allows your CNS to have a break and recover.

12-02-2006, 10:21 AM	#5
Andrew Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 90 Reputation points: 35 No blog available. Qualifications Looking to Learn More I've Been to the Gym	Re: Why is Taking a Break Helpful When Breaking Through a Plateau? central nervous system i assume.

12-02-2006, 11:30 AM	#6
SarahPT&SN Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 37 Reputation points: 22 No blog available. Qualifications Nutritionist Personal Trainer I've Been to the Gym	Re: Why is Taking a Break Helpful When Breaking Through a Plateau? There are a lot of viewpoints with this one. It does let the CNS recover. I consider rest just as important for the body as working out itself. When I am focusing on muscle growth taking breaks is critical. I find myself growing much easier if I take frequent breaks for 9-12 days. My personal belief is that extended rest periods are very important. True, some people thinkt hey are over training and need a break, when in reality they may not be eating enough, or something else. Sarah

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