is it a good idea to have a week off from the gym while on PCT?

[951thompson]

Because your body goes cattobolic while on pct, would it be a good idea to have a week or two off from the gym, would this help keep your gains?

[The Titan99]

No man, it's not a good idea. I'd drop the set volume, keep the weight as heavy as possible. 9 sets on big muscle groups - 3 exercises, 6 sets on smaller groups w/ 2 exercises per) High intensity and try to get in and out of the gym in 45 minutes to an hour. Taking 2 weeks off in PCT and you'll see what it looks like to lose 4-6 inches off your upper thigh!!!

[951thompson]

No man, it's not a good idea. I'd drop the set volume, keep the weight as heavy as possible. 9 sets on big muscle groups - 3 exercises, 6 sets on smaller groups w/ 2 exercises per) High intensity and try to get in and out of the gym in 45 minutes to an hour. Taking 2 weeks off in PCT and you'll see what it looks like to lose 4-6 inches off your upper thigh!!!

Oh I was thinking it could be a good idea to give your body a rest, some recovery time, but this is my first cycle, this is just an idea that popped in my head lol I usually only train for around 30 to 60 mins anyway depending on what muscle group I'm working, I'm of the opinion that you can over train. But you suggest doing less sets, and should I leave longer rest periods between sets? As I usually only have 30 seconds between sets.

[The Titan99]

Your workouts are 30 minutes!!? I do 2 minutes between sets on isolation exercises and 2:30-3 minutes on compound movements... I think your workout is seriously lacking in volume unless your 65 years old.

[951thompson]

Your workouts are 30 minutes!!? I do 2 minutes between sets on isolation exercises and 2:30-3 minutes on compound movements... I think your workout is seriously lacking in volume unless your 65 years old.

No sir I do 5 sets of each exercise, say I do my chest. I do flat bench, flys, incline, cables, dips takes me 30 to 40 mins, you can put too much stress on your body (over training) stress hampers gains!

[TOkidd]

I do flat bench, incline bench, and dumbell flys, 5 sets each, and my workout takes an hour with all the stretching, flexing, etc. between sets. I usually take about 120sec break between sets unless I'm lifting my max, then I'll take an exta 30 or so.

[951thompson]

I do flat bench, incline bench, and dumbell flys, 5 sets each, and my workout takes an hour with all the stretching, flexing, etc. between sets. I usually take about 120sec break between sets unless I'm lifting my max, then I'll take an exta 30 or so.

Yeah I like to keep my workouts short and intense, I tend to rest anywhere from 20 to 40 seconds, keeps the acids flowing in my muscles, so I feel the burn every set :-) love it, no pain no gain ;-)

[Capebuffalo]

I don't think your lifting heavy enough if all you need is 20 seconds between sets.
30 min is to fast. That's my experience. You maybe Superman.
But I think your light.
Anyway. No do not take anytime off. You will lose size.

[951thompson]

I don't think your lifting heavy enough if all you need is 20 seconds between sets.
30 min is to fast. That's my experience. You maybe Superman.
But I think your light.
Anyway. No do not take anytime off. You will lose size.

No you are wrong! While I'm bulking I go til failure reps 10 8 6 4 as much as I can push! Everything I've got is a natural, this is my first cycle!

[951thompson]

I don't think your lifting heavy enough if all you need is 20 seconds between sets.
30 min is to fast. That's my experience. You maybe Superman.
But I think your light.
Anyway. No do not take anytime off. You will lose size.

I believe you can over train, do some research on stress and how it effects your gains ;-)

[Capebuffalo]

I believe you can over train, do some research on stress and how it effects your gains ;-)

You can also under train. Did my research.

[AXx]

I believe you can over train, do some research on stress and how it effects your gains ;-)

What Cape is saying, if your able to rest in 20 sec, you def can't be going heavy enough. I go so heavy that it takes 2-3 minutes just to catch my breath. Think about this, deadlifts and squats should make you winded if done proper and heavy.

[tngator]

overtraining or overeaching is fine as long as you through in a nice deload from time to time.

[951thompson]

What Cape is saying, if your able to rest in 20 sec, you def can't be going heavy enough. I go so heavy that it takes 2-3 minutes just to catch my breath. Think about this, deadlifts and squats should make you winded if done proper and heavy.

I train heavy, I keep my shit intense! And I gain from it! it's not about the weight you lift its how you lift it. I concentrate on form and how my muscles feel. Hey if you have 3 mins rest and that works for you cool, but not for me, I keep my training intense ;-)

[Dukkit]

I took the last month off.

And Ill probably take next month off.

Guess I lost all my muscle now.

Morons.

[Capebuffalo]

I took the last month off.

And Ill probably take next month off.

Guess I lost all my muscle now.

Morons.

Your Not Talking about Doing It During PCT. Come On Now. You would finish your first cycle and stop training during your PCT?

[Dukkit]

Your Not Talking about Doing It During PCT. Come On Now. You would finish your first cycle and stop training during your PCT?

I have. Back when I still did PCT... yes.

A week. Seriously? You think a week is going to make or break your physique?

As long as the calorie input is there and the rest is there... you wont lose anything to sweat about.

No more than youll lose from PCT anyways.

Now I must remind you.... everything and I mean every single fukking thing in this bodybuilding lifestyle is relative to each person.
The diet that works for you... wont work for so and so. The training that works for him... wont work for you. The amount of gear he takes would give you man boobs in a week. Etc.

So to the OP. (Original Poster)

You COULD take a week off. Sure.

You COULD also just take a deload week as I think someone above posted. Lighter weights. Go for a pump. Once that pump is hit... move on.
The goal of PCT should be to recover and MAINTAIN what you have gained from the cycle.

Diet is as big a part of that as training and gear is.

So eat MORE during PCT.

Do some light cardio and light training.

Or you can rest and take off.

But be sure to eat.

And maybe take a few walks.

[Dukkit]

I recall once I took off 4 months after a tren cycle.

I just didnt feel like working out.

I had plenty of sex. I went hiking, mountain biking and played frisbee.

At the end of the 4 months.... I looked the same.

And some of you are too young to know this... but a lot of the golden age boys like Arnold, Serge, Etc... used to take months off too.
Body needs rest.
And usually when you come back from a rest... you can go so much harder and see so many more gains.


See what works for you.

[951thompson]

You can also under train. Did my research.

Are you suggesting I'm under training, did you read what I do on my chest, you think 30 sets is under training, if you do you need to give your head a wobble ;-)

[951thompson]

I have. Back when I still did PCT... yes.

A week. Seriously? You think a week is going to make or break your physique?

As long as the calorie input is there and the rest is there... you wont lose anything to sweat about.

No more than youll lose from PCT anyways.

Now I must remind you.... everything and I mean every single fukking thing in this bodybuilding lifestyle is relative to each person.
The diet that works for you... wont work for so and so. The training that works for him... wont work for you. The amount of gear he takes would give you man boobs in a week. Etc.

So to the OP. (Original Poster)

You COULD take a week off. Sure.

You COULD also just take a deload week as I think someone above posted. Lighter weights. Go for a pump. Once that pump is hit... move on.
The goal of PCT should be to recover and MAINTAIN what you have gained from the cycle.

Diet is as big a part of that as training and gear is.

So eat MORE during PCT.

Do some light cardio and light training.

Or you can rest and take off.

But be sure to eat.

And maybe take a few walks.

That's what I was thinking, what I've read about PCT is its all about recovery and resting so isn't the best way to do this by having a break, if your body is cattobolic won't training make it worse? I don't know I'm just a noob to gear lol

[Dukkit]

That's what I was thinking, what I've read about PCT is its all about recovery and resting so isn't the best way to do this by having a break, if your body is cattobolic won't training make it worse? I don't know I'm just a noob to gear lol

You need to stop thinking your body is just automatically catabolic during PCT.

Its not.

The chance that youre catabolic during pct is slim.
Thats what food is for.

Plenty of protein, vit c, multi, etc.

Youll be fine.

Why do you think youre automatically catabolic in pct?

[Capebuffalo]

I recall once I took off 4 months after a tren cycle.

I just didnt feel like working out.

I had plenty of sex. I went hiking, mountain biking and played frisbee.

At the end of the 4 monhts.... I looked the same.

And some of you are too young to know this... but a lot of the golden age boys like Arnold, Serge, Etc... used to take months off too.
Body needs rest.
And usually when you come back from a rest... you can go so much harder and see so many more gains.


See what works for you.

I am not disagreeing with you on taking time off. I have taken 2 weeks to a month off at least once a year if not more.
I do however believe and like you said everyone is different That it is better to go higher reps lower weight wile completing your pct. And to eat over you tdee.
And unfortunately I am at he cusp of being old enough to remember.

[Capebuffalo]

Are you suggesting I'm under training, did you read what I do on my chest, you think 30 sets is under training, if you do you need to give your head a wobble ;-)

Dude don't get cocky. 30 sets in 30 min. I think I saw that work out on YouTube

[Dukkit]

I am not disagreeing with you on taking time off. I have taken 2 weeks to a month off at least once a year if not more.
I do however believe and like you said everyone is different That it is better to go higher reps lower weight wile completing your pct. And to eat over you tdee.
And unfortunately I am at he cusp of being old enough to remember.

lol
Its all good.

Like I said... what works for some... doesnt work for others.

But overall... I do think ppl should just deload during pct and train lighter.

Just trying to make the point that if they do take off... its not the end of the world.

[951thompson]

You need to stop thinking your body is just automatically catabolic during PCT.

Its not.

The chance that youre catabolic during pct is slim.
Thats what food is for.

Plenty of protein, vit c, multi, etc.

Youll be fine.

Why do you think youre automatically catabolic in pct?

Just something I read that while your natural test levels are low your body is in a mild cattobolic state, that's why you lose gains. U don't know what bodybuilding info you read on the net is legit tho do you, 99.9% of it you have to take with a pinch of salt

[951thompson]

Dude don't get cocky. 30 sets in 30 min. I think I saw that work out on YouTube

Oooooo soz! Don't think so! I said between 30 and 40 mins but you read what only u want to see to back your argument up! By sounds of it maybe you should do abit more of that research on youtube, start with over training and how stress effects your body. You don't grow in the gym, you grow at home when resting, my approach is in the gym do what I need to do and out! You don't like that, you do it your way, I will do mine, peace!

[Capebuffalo]

Roid Rage Bro? Calm down. So it would have been less offensive if I had said 30 sets in 40 min.I think I saw that on YouTube? Would that be o.k?
What have been your gains from your first cycle by the way?

[DGK]

Sounds more like an aerobic workout then an actual lifting session. I take a minute or two between sets and three mins or so between different lifts. If you are able to lift till failure each set and recover within a minute your doing something wrong.

[951thompson]

Roid Rage Bro? Calm down. So it would have been less offensive if I had said 30 sets in 40 min.I think I saw that on YouTube? Would that be o.k?
What have been your gains from your first cycle by the way?

No roid rage! I'm chilled as a cucumber! Just your ignorance is bliss lol I'm on week 4 of my cycle, I've gained 12lb

[951thompson]

Sounds more like an aerobic workout then an actual lifting session. I take a minute or two between sets and three mins or so between different lifts. If you are able to lift till failure each set and recover within a minute your doing something wrong.

How can you say that, you don't know me, you don't even know what I look like! What I do works for me, if you don't like the sound of my way that's your opinion and you entitled to it, but don't be ignorant by thinking because I don't use the same method of training as you, my way doesn't work! I've been training for over 14 years, I know what works for my body!

If you people didn't know, the title of this thread is taking a week off though PCT

My work out regime is not up for critique, I don't need your input because my methods work just fine, thank you!

[TOkidd]

I do flat bench, incline bench, and dumbell flys, 5 sets each, and my workout takes an hour with all the stretching, flexing, etc. between sets. I usually take about 120sec break between sets unless I'm lifting my max, then I'll take an exta 30 or so.

That's my usual routine, not for PCT. I just wanted tio give you an idea of how many sets I do, and how long it tazkes me. For PCT, I would bring those set #'s down to 3 for each exercise.

BTW, I just wanted to add that I agree with Titan99's set # for large and small muscles during PCT. 9 sets for large muscle groups, 6 for small ones. Doesn't mean you can't use heavy weight, though. But I still like a mix of mid-rep and low-rep sets for balance.

[951thompson]

That's my usual routine, not for PCT. I just wanted tio give you an idea of how many sets I do, and how long it tazkes me. For PCT, I would bring those set #'s down to 3 for each exercise.

Thanks I appreciate your input ;-)

[Capebuffalo]

No roid rage! I'm chilled as a cucumber! Just your ignorance is bliss lol I'm on week 4 of my cycle, I've gained 12lb

You have gained 12 lbs in 4 weeks. Do you think any of that is water? What AI are you using?

[Capebuffalo]

How much dbol are you running?

[greenwell001]

Sounds more like an aerobic workout then an actual lifting session. I take a minute or two between sets and three mins or so between different lifts. If you are able to lift till failure each set and recover within a minute your doing something wrong.

Thats BS, you can go to failure and only rest 60 sec, and go to failure again. Its what i do in a set and i only rest enought to be able to finish the next set, and i am talking about compound lifts like squats, dl's and, chest, snatches and cleans. i will go 2 or 3 minutes between different lifts just to catch up. i have been at this for 12 yrs and i know how to train MY body, everyone is different. i do the same thing if i am going heavy like 4-6 rep range. i get in and out with in 1hr to 1hr and 15min minus cardio

[FONZY007]

I superset my workouts and some times I'm in and out in 30-40 mins

I walk in walk on the treadmill on a fast pace for 5 mins than workout no talking to no one, than before I leave 10 mins on the elliptical..

I burn out fast tho, needing a rest for a week after doing this say for 2 months

[Capebuffalo]

Well if someone can tell me how to do 5 sets of dead lifts or squats in less than 20 min I would love to hear how. Because I can't do it.

[951thompson]

How much dbol are you running?

I ain't running dbol, I've just finished four weeks of winny at 50mg per day and I'm running sus for 12 weeks, I used winny to front load my cycle. I'd say I'm holding a bit of water, weight keeps going up and down so I ain't interested what the scales say, in more interested in my reflection in the mirror to see my gains, scales can be miss leading

[951thompson]

Well if someone can tell me how to do 5 sets of dead lifts or squats in less than 20 min I would love to hear how. Because I can't do it.

I do about five sets of deadlifts in around 10-12 mins (fact)

[Capebuffalo]

What ai are you using