Can I take time off?

Yes...you can take time off. It may actually do you good. There is such a thing as over-training and I can testify to it not helping you reach your goal at all. Being a personal trainer, it is my job to get people into the shape they're shooting for. That means I have to make sure I am in the best shape I can be. Because of this pressure I have found myself over-training and taking two steps back to my one step forward.

It is good to take a week of if you have been going hardcore for the last several months trying to get that beach body. That rest period can help you get out of a plateau, re-spark your motivation, let your body catch up and just plan revitalize you. Then when you pick up your training again the next week, you will be stronger and more ready than ever. Give it a try, rest is a big part of getting into shape.