time off/training cycles?

[Marc Barnes]

I have been crossfitting for nearly 2 months now, mostly on 2-3 on/1 off schedule.

What is advisable as far as "backing off" a bit with respect to training frequency/intensity in order to allow the body to recuperate? Do most of you take a week off every few months? A "light week" every so often?

Thanks

[Tim Donahey]

Every 4th and 8th Week is 50% intensity

Every 12th Week completely off

Larry Lindenman elaborates on this somewhere...

[Andrew H. Meador]

Originally Posted by Marc Barnes

I have been crossfitting for nearly 2 months now, mostly on 2-3 on/1 off schedule.

What is advisable as far as "backing off" a bit with respect to training frequency/intensity in order to allow the body to recuperate? Do most of you take a week off every few months? A "light week" every so often?

Thanks

I think that you need to experiment for yourself to see what works best. I get elbow tendinitis if I stick with the WOD or the 3 on 1 off plan, and shin splints if there's a ton of running, so I back off prematurely knowing that I'm preventing an escalation of problems. Some people work their schedule into their week, mostly because of scheduling simplicity. Others train 6 days per week, every week with no problems, and have to be ultra-disciplined not to train on their day off.

Try 1 on 1 off, 3 on 2 off, or normal 3 on 1 off with an easy week every month and see what works best for you. Keep in mind that getting an overuse injury or an over-training sickness will take you out of the game for longer than a week. Good luck.

Are you doing scaled workouts?
I'm working on month two, doing scaled workouts and I feel pretty decent. I'll definitely take the rest when it's prescribed, but there haven't been days that I've felt like I need to take off unless I've been sick.
I may not be going as hard as you tho.

[Marc Barnes]

Originally Posted by Tim Donahey

Every 4th and 8th Week is 50% intensity

Every 12th Week completely off

Larry Lindenman elaborates on this somewhere...

What does "50% intensity" mean?

Only workout for half the week? Use lighter weights? Shorter duration?

[Marc Barnes]

Originally Posted by Camille Lore

Are you doing scaled workouts?
I'm working on month two, doing scaled workouts and I feel pretty decent. I'll definitely take the rest when it's prescribed, but there haven't been days that I've felt like I need to take off unless I've been sick.
I may not be going as hard as you tho.

I am not doing scaled workouts. So far, I feel fine. I was just wondering if CF had a prescribed rest schedule.

[Tim Donahey]

Originally Posted by Marc Barnes

What does "50% intensity" mean?

Only workout for half the week? Use lighter weights? Shorter duration?

Half intensity would apply to one of the following: time, distance, weight, repititions, or rounds. Just depends on what the WOD is.

[Marc Barnes]

Originally Posted by Tim Donahey

Half intensity would apply to one of the following: time, distance, weight, repititions, or rounds. Just depends on what the WOD is.

But not frequency? (i.e., eliminate 1/2 of the week's WODs; switch to 1 on/1 off, etc?)

[Tim Donahey]

Originally Posted by Marc Barnes

But not frequency? (i.e., eliminate 1/2 of the week's WODs; switch to 1 on/1 off, etc?)

Nope, that's not what it means... but if you feel that's what you need, go for it.