Anyone get demotivated by deloading?

[BoomerangRapido]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the 5x5 routine (been on for 3 weeks now) and I have to admit I probably started out a bit optimistic as far as starting weight goes. The problem now is that I feel like I should deload to work on my technique (especially on squats and bench), and that hurts my motivation somewhat.

I can't possibly be the only one who's come off the startign line too fast and had to do this right!? How do you guys deal with it?

[javanek]

If I had a nickel for everytime I hear that. You are not alone, man. Seems to be the single most common error that guys (mostly) make when starting any strength program. They pile on the weight and fail in about a month. Usually then they ask the question 'What happened?' Exactly what you set yourself up for. Kinda of like starting a running program and setting the initials at 6mph for 5 miles. Most people see the folly in that, but fail to see the same thing with lifting.

Deloads should not be demotivating. I reiterate, they are not demotivating, depressing, or anything else negative. They are part of strength training. No matter what gets you there or how long it takes, it will happen. I'd be more worried if it didn't. That would imply that you probably have wasted a lot of time doing too little weight.

I look at them as a logical part of the progression and accept them. My program just recycled so my lifts are way down from where they were two weeks ago. But even though the lifts are light, I concentrate on doing everything right. From lift off, descent technique, ascent technique, lockout to racking. Everything has to be right. That is a positive. I need that every 8-10 weeks to keep myself centered.

I'd say look at what needs to be fixed. At what weight was form good and felt solid through the reps? Go back there, pay close attention to every detail and work your way back up. Probably won't take you more than a month or so to get back. But your form should be much better and strength should be up, so there you go. A positive.

[1337lolzz]

You get stronger during periods of decreased loading. Knowing that makes me feel better.

[leenwebb]

I deloaded my squats a few weeks ago to focus on form (oh hip drive, where have you been all my life?), and one of the most exciting things was that I deloaded to a weight that I remember being HARD two months ago. But it was easy-peasy, and hardly even felt like a workout.

That's not so helpful in the very beginning of the program, but it's pretty cool later on to be able to look at a big amount of weight that's easy and say, Hey, I used to be scared of that.

[mjh]

getting demotivated by deloading says to me that it's all about the numbers... as if reducing the weight is like admitting defeat or being a weakling or something.

In fact, deloading can be highly motivating. first, it demonstrates adherence to and understanding of a smarter way of lifting. Look around the gym and you'll see a bunch of guys struggling with shitty form against weight that is way out of their league. They look stupid, more so because they're so obviously deluded.

second, deloading gives you a bench mark. Sure, you failed lifting a certain weight, but in a few workout's time you come back and lift the same weight easily. solid, measurable progress right there... I find that very motivating. just as leenwebb said. I sometimes go back to my notebook and look at the weights that I once failed at, and later used as part of my warm up.

and thirdly, getting form right should be as rewarding as the big numbers. like in my first point, it's far more motivating to do good reps of a lower weight than the ego driven fool next to you doing shitty reps with too much weight.

[rere]

getting demotivated by deloading says to me that it's all about the numbers... as if reducing the weight is like admitting defeat or being a weakling or something.

In fact, deloading can be highly motivating. first, it demonstrates adherence to and understanding of a smarter way of lifting. Look around the gym and you'll see a bunch of guys struggling with shitty form against weight that is way out of their league. They look stupid, more so because they're so obviously deluded.

second, deloading gives you a bench mark. Sure, you failed lifting a certain weight, but in a few workout's time you come back and lift the same weight easily. solid, measurable progress right there... I find that very motivating. just as leenwebb said. I sometimes go back to my notebook and look at the weights that I once failed at, and later used as part of my warm up.

and thirdly, getting form right should be as rewarding as the big numbers. like in my first point, it's far more motivating to do good reps of a lower weight than the ego driven fool next to you doing shitty reps with too much weight.

You beat me too it i was going to say something like that
Deloading gives you a well deserved rest.

[nomercy89]

You get stronger during periods of decreased loading. Knowing that makes me feel better.

Is that because you're still lifting weights or because your muscles are resting and hence they're growing?

And I like what mjh said, and agree with it. Look at it as a smarter way of lifting, that's bound to make you feel better if nothing else . And everybody does it so don't feel like it's only you.

[ken20008]

i know i must deload, i will deload. Form wins over anything, and the strength increase will still happen.

[BoomerangRapido]

Thanks for the feedback guys

I am planning to cut the weight down starting today. I definately need to work on my form. My range og motion is lacking, to say the least.

[eLvarouza]

Deloading means you're progressing. I just try to use deloading as a motivator; I don't want to deload because I stall or whatever, so I try my hardest not to stall . When I'm near limit weights in stuff I just stuff my face with food like crazy so I can keep going heh.

[1337lolzz]

Is that because you're still lifting weights or because your muscles are resting and hence they're growing?

Both reasons. Muscles can lose up to 30% of their strength after 7 days of complete rest. Also, periods of decreased loading must be included to allow the body and mind to "super compensate" and become stronger.

So think about it like this: you are getting stronger than you were and you're not even working as hard.

[nomercy89]

So think about it like this: you are getting stronger than you were and you're not even working as hard.

I like the sound of that

[ken20008]

im doing my first deload today, hopefully muscles will grow stronger hehe.