Is it okay to take a week off lifting in the middle of an eight week cycle? I've started a new cycle. I've increased my eating from 1,400 to 2,400 calories, reduced my cardio from 6 miles a day, 5 days a week (7.5mph) to 5 miles a day, 4 days a week, and started a 3 day a week, full body workout. I follow this routine http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=508031

So, today would be the start of week 4, but, damn, I hurt. Now all during my weight loss period, after a decent workout I might be sore (or not). But this is killer. Yesterday, I couldn't move for the second half of the day. Touching the muscles on my back is like stabbing them (legs as well). So I'm going to take this week off and start week 4 on monday.

Is this okay? Am I being a sissy? Should I suffer through this and just rest at the end of the 8 weeks?

As a final thought, I have gained 4 pounds in the last 3 weeks. From 156 to 160. How the hell is that possible at 2,400 calories?

If you're truly feeling soreness and fatigue of this nature than you might be on the verge of over-training. You would be better off performing cardio only for a few days to help you recover faster.

Now if this training cycle is new and the new exercises are causing Doms because your body hasn't adapted to it yet then push through it.

But, make sure you are giving yourself every chance to fully recover between weight sessions. Limit stress and get plenty of sleep. Post stretching might help you recover quicker as well.

As a final thought, I have gained 4 pounds in the last 3 weeks. From 156 to 160. How the hell is that possible at 2,400 calories?

I've started a new cycle. I've increased my eating from 1,400 to 2,400 calories, reduced my cardio from 6 miles a day, 5 days a week (7.5mph) to 5 miles a day, 4 days a week, and started a 3 day a week, full body workout. I follow this routine http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=508031

I think you answered your own question. You increased nutrition, reduced cardio, and tax your body lifting 3 times a week in a full body regimen that you got from a great resource.

That was easy. :)

The pain sounds normal. My workouts are similar each week, but sometimes I'll just have a good day and totally brutalize myself, causing abnormally vicious DOMS. I say finish your 8wks!

Okay, so I sucked it up and did my work out and it was... outstanding. I repeated my sets and reps from this time last week except with antagonistic sets and went up 5lbs per exercise. It was as though my muscles were asking for this. All the pain went away on the very first set.

We'll see, though, how I feel tomorrow.