Recovery Week ?

[Bulking Up]

Hey guys, I have a quick question concerning my recovery week. I will be finishing "Training for Max Size" this Friday, and I am going to take a week off before starting "Scrawny to Brawny". I have been busting my ass, and with the increased volume of Phase 3 for Max Size, I am pretty wiped out (I am really looking forward to the rest). Are there any activities that I should do during this week (stretching, active recovery), or should I just take it off all together? Thanks for any input.
BU

[UpNorth]

I just came off a complete week off and I think it was too long. I was pretty spent and thought a week off would do me good but by the middle of the week I felt recovered. By the end of the week I was in the habit of sleeping later and I was definately "slowing down." I generally had less energy and in retro-spect was starting to get grumpy.

However, now, after three days back I'm waking up earlier (I work out in the morning) and just generally feel better.

Overall the break was a good idea, but a week was too long for me.

[Chris Correia]

Nothing wrong with a full week off. The alternative is what: four days? So, then you get in one whole additional workout, compared to waiting until the next week.

Particularly if you've been pushing it hard, just enjoy it. Of course, do as I say, not as I do: my weeks off still include a a kumdo class and one or two days of tkd class warm up stuff if I'm leading class myself. So i get in some footwork drills, a little plyo stuff, pushups, etc. That works OK for me. When I'm vacation out of town for a week, and I'm using it for a week off, I might do one interval run (not really done too hard) and a session or two of power yoga (don't tell anyone. . . .but I love that power yoga).

[Bulking Up]

Thanks guys. I probably will just take the week off. I am also going to be doing some landscaping (patio and sod), so that should keep me pretty active. I won't do any formal workout. Thanks again.
BU

[CAchief]

bulking up. I would suggest to do regeneration in your week off. Work on your rotator cuffs and all that. If you have the 2nd(?) issue of MH Muscle (the one with "build bigger biceps" on the cover, Berardi has a workout in there titled "the best workout eve." In there he has a week of regeneration. Follow that and you will help your body heal even further. I let a friend borrow the magazine so can't post it, maybe someone else can help out, sorry.