Why It Is Important To Schedule Time Away From The Gym (Newsletter Archive)  CLICK HERE TO ORDER -- ONLY $39! MetroflexGymTraining.com Newsletter Website:  How To Build Up Muscle | Hardcore Body Building Workout | Body Building Exercise Routine E-mail:  Newsletters@MetroflexGymTraining.com Date:  May 17, 2007 Issue # 15:  Back To Basics:  Why It's Important To Schedule Time Away From The Gym Last week we received a request to explain what happens when you unexpectedly are forced to take time away from the gym, such as last-minute business travel or when family shows up all of a sudden.  Surprisingly, an unplanned "vacation" from the gym can be a good thing!  In a moment I will explain the merits of the occasional week off from the gym other than if you get sick or injured. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUCCESS STORY I remember the first time I walked into Metroflex Gym; it felt like home.  It was dark and cozy, a little worn around the edges, with inspirational comments graffiteed on the walls - and memorabilia from hundreds of events stuck everywhere.  I've worked out at a lot of different gyms over the years, but most were too fancy to get really comfortable in.  Not Metroflex! I was a weak nobody, with a few ideas, and a new business (HOUSE OF PAIN).  Brian made me feel like part of the family, and I have grown to consider him a part of our family.  I've noticed over the years that in every type of contest, every year - there are winners who workout at Metroflex.  This says a lot about the training of Brian Dobson!  I have the utmost respect for him, I wish him every success, and I hope to kill a wild hog with him soon.  Can't say more than that!   Regards,  Rick Brewer http://www.houseofpain.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A layoff (or "vacation") from the gym can be a terrific event if you know how to maximize the opportunity.  If you train intensely, as Metroflex Gym advocates, then you may have the following list of items in your body: - Increased lactic acid build-up - Minor "cutting line" injuries, especially if you are a bodybuilder or powerlifter - Symptoms from any overtraining you have done - Potential risk for lowered immune system due to lack of sufficient recovery And all of these are with the assumption that you are training with perfect form, eating & drinking adequates amounts, resting properly, and progressing in your weights & repetitions! If you are training properly and following all of the items needed for your exercise-related goals (see last week's newsletter) then a week off could give you the possible following benefits: - Letting any "cutting line injuries" heal up.  These are minor muscle tears and other barely discernable injuries which come at the expense of any improper form you may have used when lifting weights.  A week off will allow you let these minor injuries heal so that you will be stronger when you come back to the gym. - A chance to get extra sleep.  Lean muscle mass growth (whether you want to gain muscle or reduce bodyfat) occurs when you are resting and have proper nutrition in order.  Most people have sleep difficulties, so getting some extra sleep can be a good thing!  Of course, see your doctor if you have any concerns regarding your sleep, especially any apnea-related issues. - Partaking in other sports or recovery methods.  You could play a game of basketball, go for a hike in a nearby state park, or simply get a massage.  Find some fun ways to do low-intensity exercise which you haven't done in a while, and make sure that you get in some extra recovery methods if possible! - A chance to mentally rest and "recharge."  Intense weight training requires high levels of concentration and focus.  A week off can help you recover mentally and prepare for your next series of weights. - A chance to see other parts of your town or city!  Many intense weight trainers forget that there is a society around them, so the week off can be a time to go to the museum, go to the park, or go to a local festival.  When you stimulate your brain with positive imagery chances are you will increase the likelihood of getting your goals faster. and... - When you come back after a week off, you sometimes come back stronger!  This is a rarely-discussed topic, and we can go into it in further detail if you wish. Remember, whether you participate in high intensity volume training, once a week training, HIT style weight lifting, advanced powerlifting, or any other style of weight training which requires intensity and focus consider planning a week off every once in a while.  If that week happens to come earlier than planned due to external events, then that is fine!  As a general rule of thumb, if you are not competing in a specific bodybuilding/figure show or powerlifting meet, consider planning a week away from the gym every 5-8 weeks.  If you train with super high intensity training methods you may consider a week away from the gym more frequently in order to let your body grow and recover. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want to learn how to get in terrific shape, stop wasting time & money, and learn what has worked for the last 20 years, no matter what your training goals are, then please come visit http://www.MetroflexGymTraining.com.   You will find the down-to-earth, tried-and-true information which is used at Metroflex Gym!  And you will also get free bonus books on how to stay in shape even you are extremely busy (or travel for work), how to generate publicity, and how to get in "The Zone" (the state of mind where you are completely at ease) in any situation!  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to those of you who referred your friends to the MetroflexGymTraining.com website and newsletter.  As of this mailing, people in ten countries and three continents are reading this newsletter!  We want to make sure that your investment in the Metroflex Gym e-book package is nominal in comparison to what you get in return, so continue to refer the website & newsletter and let us know in what areas we can help you. In addition, if you are interested in adding a revenue stream feel free to join the affiliate program for the e-book package.  You can contact us for details or go to:  http://www.metroflexgymtraining.com/affiliates_signup.html Thank you for being a part of the Metroflex Gym family, Matt Mc Dermott How To Build Up Muscle | Hardcore Body Building Workout | Body Building Exercise Routine Copyright 2007 Bullpen Marketing LLC.  All Rights Reserved.