Topic: time off (change training)

[Dustin Oranchuk]

Hey guys, even though i have only been lifting competitively for about 26 months and have brought my lifts from 65 and 75 to 108 and 133 in that time.  i have been really frustrated with my progress of late, (even technique which is usually my best point (in not that strong for what I'm lifting) has been strugling as of late).

Anyway, at my next meet i have a good chance of qualifying for the Sr nationals even though I'm still a Jr.  But after SR nationals, with the way I'm feeling, i am contomplating taking a month off from serious weightlifting and maybe spending that time training in more of a fitness way, ie. some bodybuilding, powerlifting, some snatch and clean and jerks and some running/agility/speed conditioning, maybe some swimming.

So even though i would still be working hard, i wanted to get some opinions on if you guys think that doing this for 1 month would effect me poorly in the long run as I'm still very sure i want to keep weightlifting as my primary sport.

any input would be appreciated.

[Jim Hooper]

Heck no, Dustin, that won't hurt you in the long run at all.  In fact, its exactly what you should do every so often after a long push.  Take 2-4 weeks, stay active, and you'll come back to the platform healed up and eager to lift again.  When you do come back, its a good idea to spend 2-3 weeks or so gradually building intensity and volume back up to a normal training level.   Strength and technique will come back quickly.

[joelquintong]

100% support Jim on this one.

I think that everybody needs time away from the lifts. Do it intelligently and schedule it in to your training plan so that you do it when it's time, not when your mood dictates.

I would even go so far as to say, don't go into the gym or pick up a barbell at all during that time. Dumbells, KBs, stones, logs, etc. etc. would be a good mix.

Even better- go swim or play table tennis. If you look up the Eastern Bloc yearly training plans, there are multiple mentions of these kinds of sports.

good luck,
Joel

[Craig Vandeweghe]

When I was a teenager, I took 3-4 months off every year to run track. I still had good gains every year.

[Dustin Oranchuk]

thanks everyone for your advice and opinions