Deload week while on blast

[ivandragovich]

So I take either 1 or 2 deload weeks while on a 20-24 week blast, sometimes even 3 if fatigue gets to me really bad (crazy work hours).

Do any of you take deload weeks? Do you take time off completely? What have you noticed benefits you the most?

I also take 2 rest days a week usually, sessions are brutal and leg days are very high volume and heavy. Sometimes I feel like I rest too much, but there is no way I could push myself as hard enough as I’d like if I don’t let myself recover completely.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Vilchow]

I have found that it works best for me if I take a whole week off every 10-12 weeks. During this week, I don't go to the gym at all and don't do any cardio. I don't think much of deloads. In my opinion, it's nothing half and nothing whole.

 

[dinfar1337]

So I take either 1 or 2 deload weeks while on a 20-24 week blast, sometimes even 3 if fatigue gets to me really bad (crazy work hours).

Do any of you take deload weeks? Do you take time off completely? What have you noticed benefits you the most?

I also take 2 rest days a week usually, sessions are brutal and leg days are very high volume and heavy. Sometimes I feel like I rest too much, but there is no way I could push myself as hard enough as I’d like if I don’t let myself recover completely.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

i personally dont schedule deloads. i just take them whenever my strength hasnt gone up for a few weeks which it should even on trt from week to week basis. and i personally dont take complete deloads, i do like 1-2 weeks of going gym 2-3 times a week just hitting every muscle group with low intensity and watch all my lifts starting to go up, and i dont really feel joint paint in bad excersies like squats or tricep pushdowns anymore.

 

[cloudrift]

If you need deloads during a blast, especially multiple ones, chances are your training isn’t programmed well. A properly structured plan should manage fatigue along the way — not require full weeks off unless something external (like crazy work hours, as you mentioned) throws things off.
That said, it’s not about avoiding rest — two rest days a week is totally fine, especially with high volume/intensity legs. But if you're constantly pushing to the edge and crashing, you might be doing too much junk volume.

 

[lukiss96]

I'd prefer to take a break during a transition to a cruise, but then looking at your blast it's long AF. Depends on how hard you went on, maybe it's fine, but then again perhaps shorten your blast to 16 weeks and do a deload, cuz your body not only gets tired of the workouts, but also steroids.