Deload question.

[Abe]

I did 19 weeks of LP then switched to TM and have been on it for 7 weeks so it has been about 6 months total. Is the medium and light days in TM meant as a built in deload or should I take a week off. I am 38 and these 6 months has been my only training ever and only lifting since high school. And if I should take a rest week should I take an entire week off or do my normal workout at 50% of my normal load?

[Mac Ward]

Why is it that you think you need a deload?

[Abe]

My lifts are stalling. I failed 2 weeks in a row on intensity day to finish my squat and press weights. I don't think I need a deload and personally I don't want to take a week off, but I thought maybe it would be the smart thing to do since I have been going hard for 6 months without a break and am stalling. However, if the way TM is set is that way to be a built in deload that's enough of a reason for me to suck it up and get back in there on volume day tomorrow. At my age I just want to do the smart thing whether that is to keep going or take a break. I am not hurt or sore just stalled. Maybe I should just reset my weights like 5% and push on?

[Mac Ward]

If you've missed two weeks in a row, 10% is what is normally called for...as for the deload week, you can always try it and see. 50% is a bit light, I would go 70-80% for sets of 3 vice 50%.