In your muscle building routines you need to consider that periodization programs have several different phases. Athletes often begin by taking a short break from training, usually a week or two. This gives the body time to recharge before beginning this high-intensity program. Be realistic about the break you need. Don't jump back into your training regimen before you have fully recovered from your previous routine. At the same time, don't use it as an excuse to "kick back" once your muscles are replenished and ready for action. The amount of time should be just right, allowing you to be mentally and physically refreshed and eager to return to the gym.
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The next step is to ease back into your training regimen. Initially, start with weights that are 30 percent less than the weights you were lifting before your time off. Concentrate on your exercise technique, making sure that each repetition is done perfectly. Feel the movement of the muscle. For now, do only as many reps as you did with the higher weight you were using before your time off, even though you will not reach total failure. Resist the temptation to go all out with this lighter weight, which would just mean doing a higher rep range. You should be warming up your body for greater intensity later on. Just as you would let your car warm up a bit before you floor the accelerator, give your body a chance to ease into your new workout program.