Only if I have to. Personally if I miss the gym for a week I feel like shit.

I also. train 5 on 2 off, and feel a solid week or 2 break in training is necessary not only for the joints but for my mental state as well. usually the first week is a given, between Christmas and New year's, second can be anytime 4 months after that. always make the conscious effort to eat well tho, training or not.

As @wny_muscle said bro, listen to your body and give it what it needs. I personally do 5 on 2 off and every 3rd month I take a solid week off and just mildew on the couch...lol.

I listen to my body and give it what it needs. If my body needs time off, I give it enough time to rest and recuperate.

If my mind is exhausted with the daily grind, I take the time off to the point where my mind is back in it; the feeling when all you can think about is the next workout. Usually, the body and the mind coincide for me.

Diet I'm fairly regimented on so if I need a cheat meal, I have it. But for the most part I like the foods that got me this way, so the diet isn't a big deal. I usually train a 3 on 1 off split, then repeat. On occasion I take 2 or 3 days off. I haven't had a full week though, but if I felt I needed it I would definitely take it. It's all about longevity and to have it, breaks are a must when needed.

Whenever my tendonitis acts up I take 1-2 weeks off which is usually once or twice a year. Usually go away for a week once a year and December - March is so hectic at work Im usually only at the gym once or twice a week. Any time im feeling burnt out I'll take 3 or 4 days off as well. Usually when I return from a break I feel stronger and have awsome workouts.

For me I get a little sloppy the end of November through the New Year with the diet. The only real time I sleep in and get lazy not hitting the gym is on the family vacations.

I took 2 years of 6 months ago. I've only been back for 6-7 months, so yea. Alot of beer drinking and restaurant eating. I got fat as fcck.