To follow.. or to deviate.. that is the question

[Zozo]

I have nearly finished Meso 2... one week left. BUT I don't feel like I need a rest week. I am not nearly as tired as I was after meso 1... my joints don't hurt AT ALL.. and my DOMS only last one day (as opposed to the painful 3 from meso 1) I am not overly hungry, and I'm not tired. After meso 1, i NEEDED the rest wek, and took it readily. But I don't feel like that this time... is it REALLY necessary, in that case, to take the rest week? I know it's 'active recovery' but my muscles feel better than ever.. it seems a shame to stop weight work now. Has anyone had a similar experience? Has anyone skipped the recovery week?

 

[bethj]

I think the point is to take the rest week BEFORE you get burned out/overtrained or injured. If you wait until you feel you need it, it may be overdue. I think psychologically it helps too. You are just itching to get back to those weights after the week is over and it gives you the psychological stamina, as well as physical, to get all the way through the next meso. On the other hand, you may be an exceptionally fit person who doesn't need the rest week, particularly if you are only doing the 3.5 month rotation, so resting every 4 weeks may be too often for you. I did each meso for 8 weeks and was really really ready for that rest week.
Beth

 

[Autumn68]

my advise

My advise, take the week. You feel strong now, but meso 3 will wipe you out. Take the week (active recovery) so your still doing something. Your muscles need a rest. My advise: light cardio, yoga and abs.
After meso 3, I felt so strong, I went back to a heavy cardio rotation and wow, I had to cut it back. I really did need that break, and didn't know it until 2 days in...I really felt warn out. My muscles were recovering which is all part of it. I should have done more lower impact right away. That's my advise. autumn