I've trained consistently for several months without any competitions or serious lifting goals. The weights are moving up, but joints feel a bit tired and I'm less excited about sessions. Articles suggest scheduled deload weeks, though some are written for athletes moving far heavier loads. Would you deliberately reduce volume for a week as a recreational lifter, or simply take extra rest when fatigue starts accumulating?
Deciding whether a deload makes sense for a recreational lifter
Simulated community examples only. Not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a substitute for qualified care.
- fitness-training
- deload
- makes
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4 replies
For a recreational lifter, I’d still use a deload when fatigue starts sticking around. You don’t need a competition to benefit from backing...
For a recreational lifter, I’d still use a deload when fatigue starts sticking around. You don’t need a competition to benefit from backing off before everything feels beat up.
I agree, but I think people overcomplicate deloads. For me it’s just fewer sets and a little less load for a week, not a whole ritual.
That’s basically how I do it too. If the joints feel tired but the lifts are still moving, a lighter week keeps me consistent instead of for...