Training FAQ #10: Is it normal for bodybuilders to have a bad day?

[Animal Rep]

Yeah, even the pros have off days. If it’s the off-season, they sometimes take a day off. Now it shouldn't happen that often, but we are all human. We all have bad days. Now if you’re training for a show, then you never take off unless you’re really, really, really, sick. But on the days that you have to leave, don’t give it a second thought. Your body needs rest. Some guys take months off at a time. You just roll with the punches. You go back the next day when you feel good and start over.

[TheNaturalG]

It's funny, alot of the people who say overtraining doesn't exist will be fast to say that they have off days every once in awhile and need that day off or to take it easy. If you plan to have a week or 2 off or to take it easy every 4-12 weeks of hard training I think that will almost completely eliminate bad days unless of course your diet and rest aren't in place.

[Polish Prince]

it is normal for people to have a bad day. even week/weeks. do a search for the threat called "a day in the life of vinny galanti" and he talks about how he's been in about a 2 week rut right now!

[Joseb]

i read somewhere that a week every 8-10 weeks is good for your gains

[BiG in NYC 823]

i read somewhere that a week every 8-10 weeks is good for your gains

i'd say that is accurate. I tend to do 3 months of training and take a week "off" at the last week to rest my body and mind from the strenous training. It works for me, but everyone is different and their body reacts differently.

[YokdUp]

yeah i tend to have a bad day here and there. its easy to notice it with me. because i wont be able to finish cardio and i wont want to start hittn the iron. At that point I just grab my shit and head home and relax. that usually fixes things to get ready to hit it the next day as hard as can be like always.

[FREEK]

yeah for sure, i've had days where i just couldn't concentrate or I just didn't feel totally there....if you know what i mean. This stuff just happens so some times you just have to go with the flow for a day. Then when you feel up to hit that shit harder then ever.

[tom10]

i'm all for listening to your body and easing up when you really need it...

but the key to this is HONESTY. if you've trained hard, trained right and trained consistently then sure, take a day or two to recharge. but if you're just a bit tired after work, put your man suit back on and lift.

[Macrobolic]

i read somewhere that a week every 8-10 weeks is good for your gains

There is even some new research that less time in between is beneficial. However, those are looking at doing a week or two of submaximal work in between your hard, 100% workouts.

[Achilles]

somedays your just exhuasted, there have been times where leg day has whipped my ass so bad I cant hardly do anything the next day. The body needs rest ... its that simple

[born0withno0soul]

yea people have bad days where they dont want to be in the gym because they are tired or have personal issues on their mind. but this is what seperates the winners from the losers

[newbreed]

Sometimes you need to take a personal day. It could be many reasons overtraining, personal issues whatever you just take that day off and straighten things out before the next day.