100 Days of Fitness: Week 22 – A Week Without a Workout

How long does it take to change your life? Follow author Robert Fure as he begins a 100 day trek to a fitter, healthier life by following this simple program. Today, we talk about when to give your muscles a break on the 100 Days Program.
4 January,2012By
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At this point in the program, when I start talking about not working out, you know something's up. Just last week I talked about how working out was just part of my routine, something that happened even if I wasn't thinking about it. Now, here I am about to tell you go a week without working out? Sort of.

There are a few times when it's alright to take some time off from the working out phase. Pushing yourself to the limit six days a week can take a lot out of you. There is the danger of over training and some studies indicate that those who work out a ton can lower their ability to fight infection – you know, how doctors always prescribe rest and relaxation, not bench presses? If you push yourself constantly, you may find yourself coming down with a touch of illness from time to time; that is one time it's definitely okay for you to take some time off and recharge your engines.

You need to understand your own body. If your shoulder is aching, you probably shouldn't hit the pull-up bar — but you could still do some leg presses!

So what's up with me this week? I'm going out of town. Or, maybe I should have said, what was up with me this week? Because I'm writing this on a Monday instead of a Saturday like usual. So there won't be a weigh in below because I'll have spent the most of this week in Austin and, as you read this, I'll still be there. Things will go back to normal next week. We have talked about travel training, and if travel is something that is a constant part of your life, you definitely want to make sure you're working out while on the road.

However, sometimes your body just needs a break, whether you're feeling run down or will just be on the run for an extended period. So I'm taking (most) of this week off from working out, aside from the few odd pull-ups and push-ups.

Now, notice this is called “A Week Without a Workout.” That's very important. It doesn't say “A Week Off.” If you're going to take time away from the gym, you've got to make sure you're keeping things straight on your meals. You're not taking a week off from being responsible, you're taking a week to rest your body. This is not an excuse to eat doughnuts, McDonald's, and huge plates of spaghetti. Taking a week off from working out is simply about recharging so you can come back and hit it harder than ever.

My Results

I'm out of town, but weighed in at 225 last week.

Robert Fure

Robert Fure is a fitness, lifestyle, and entertainment writer living in Los Angeles. He is also a certified Personal Trainer and the Creator/Editor of Fit and Furious, an online outlet dedicated to the pursuit of a fit lifestyle. His entertainment work can be viewed at Film School Rejects.