So does washing your truck or car, count as a deload? Ten years ago I would have jumped on this with a resounding NO! Nowadays, I may have a different answer.
Admittedly if I was training for a competition I still "might" answer no. However, after my experience on Friday I feel like even if you are getting ready for something, there's an argument to be made.
Considering my training is solely based on being an awesome human at this time, I felt a day off was in need. I had deloaded all week in the gym with the normal light fluff and puff. But Friday I said f@ck it. I'm not even touching a weight.
My truck, newly named "The Mistress" because she is my other love was dirty for the first time in probably over a year, for real. She's garaged and doesn't see bad weather. Anyway, I really wanted to get her cleaned and I know I wouldn't have on Friday if I went down to the gym.
As I was washing the truck I felt great being outside. Something that would not have been happening inside in a gym. Then I thought about it. I'm moving in all different planes and my heart rate was slightly elevated.
What more would I want out of a deload. You certainly don't get stronger or build muscle on a typical deload. The goal is to recover and I sure as hell felt recovered.
Take this as you will. I certainly won't spend my next deload week doing chores. But I probably will take one of my four training days to do something out of the ordinary that will feed my soul more than going through the motions in the gym.
