Log in

View Full Version : Is Post Contest Rest Needed?


FitnessModel45
24-07-2011, 05:50 PM
Hey Prae, just a quick question for you if you don't mind. I was just wondering what your thoughts were on post-contest rest? Is it needed? I just recently competed this past Saturday and was wondering if I should take time off the gym or should I just jump back into my offseason training/cardio this Monday? I don't feel overly tired or anything. I'm also 100% clean/natural if that makes a difference or not. Thanks brother!
Praetorian
24-07-2011, 09:38 PM
You need to take a week off the gym, cardio etc....just rest. You may not feel tired but your central nervous system has been under stress for a few months and needs to recharge. Also you CANNOT jump right into an off season gaining plan or you will develop peripheral edema (massive water retention)...because your body is not able to process carb as efficiently as before the diet. Add carbs back in slowly...ie no more then 30g in meals 1-3-5 that's it....do this for 4 weeks then add a fourth meal for the next two weeks...after that you wll be ok to start off season.
P
FitnessModel45
28-07-2011, 06:13 PM
Thank you for the reply P. I have been doing like you said and will return to the gym/cardio next week. For now, I will continue to eat clean and slowly ease carbs back into the diet.
Praetorian
28-07-2011, 07:10 PM
Take your time...it takes 6 weeks to be able to process carbs normally again.
P
FitnessModel45
28-07-2011, 11:44 PM
Take your time...it takes 6 weeks to be able to process carbs normally again.
P

Oh wow, that long eh? I always knew it was slow but never thought it was that slow. I only had one cheat meal, which was on the contest day, and have been eating clean ever since. Do you think implementing a cheat meal once a week would help kick start my metabolism better? Or would this be detrimental?
Praetorian
29-07-2011, 12:16 AM
Yes of course...have a cheat meal each week...saturday and one sunday...the eat clean during the week...but start with 30g carbs on only three of your six meals for a few weeks before adding more.
P
FitnessModel45
30-07-2011, 05:36 PM
Yes of course...have a cheat meal each week...saturday and one sunday...the eat clean during the week...but start with 30g carbs on only three of your six meals for a few weeks before adding more.
P

Will do P! Thanks! Just one last question, should the cheat meals be clean or dirty? Anything in particular you suggest?
Praetorian
30-07-2011, 06:21 PM
There's nothing clean about cheat means my friend..dirty! Whatever you like...pasta with meat sauce and cheesecake OR pancakes/waffles with whipped cream and butter and syrup and bacon and eggs.

P
FitnessModel45
30-07-2011, 06:37 PM
There's nothing clean about cheat means my friend..dirty! Whatever you like...pasta with meat sauce and cheesecake OR pancakes/waffles with whipped cream and butter and syrup and bacon and eggs.

P

Hahah I guess the term itself should of explained it for me! :) Would you avoid dairy cheats preferably though? Example...ice cream?

Also, on the notion that you mentioned syrup on pancakes...Which do you feel is the healthier option (aka better of the two evils)? Real syrup (which has sugar in it) or Sugar-Free Syrup (which is loaded with artificial sweeteners in it)? Lol, I'm VERY interested in your opinion because I'm a very health conscious person.