Need advice on taking two weeks or more off!

S

stephl

Cathlete
Hi all,

We are planning on moving back to the States this autumn, and I am already thinking ahead that I probably won't be able to work out for 2 weeks or more. Between packing up and shipping out here, and getting to the US and getting somewhat settled in our temporary digs (in-laws) I'm looking at around 2- 3 weeks. Hopefully I can get back into some sort of workout routine after that. I'm taking my workout DVDs in my luggage, but I won't have any of my workout equipment, as it will all be in the shipment. I'm planning on buying a High Step and a barbell set (saw some good deals online from Target) when I get there, plus maybe some more dumbells too. So, I will be able to do some strength training and cardio. I may spring for a Club Step (currently using a Reebok one, which is OK, but not my fave) too.

But, my question is, has anyone taken two weeks or more off from their workouts? Do you start back in at a lower level? I'm really anxious that I don't lose the fitness gains I've made, especially as I tend to gain weight (eat and drink too much) when under stress and moving, especially internationally, is major stressful for me!!

Any advice appreciated!

Thanks,
 
Hi Stephanie, I just recently took about 2 weeks off when we went on vacation. We were camping at the shore and I took running gear, but you know how those good intentions go. The most exercise I got during the 12 days at the beach were a couple walks, some pushups on the beach and some crunchs in camp. I was very pleased to find little to no loss in fitness when I got home. I started back up with weight work at a lower level, but realized after one session that it wasn't neccessary. The same was true for cardio. I lowered my step for the first workout, but found that I could have done the workout at my normal level. Good Luck with the move.
 
Stephanie, I recently took about 12 days off while moving and I found that after a couple of days working out I was back to normal. I did lower my weights for the first couple of lifting sessions, just to be on the safe side but the time off didn't really have much of an impact, otherwise. Also I found that the move kept me on my feet so much that I was eating like a horse and actually dropped a couple of pounds!

HTH, Sparrow

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage
 
Stephanie,
Why don't you see if you can get a temporary membership at a local gym until you get settled? Then you won't have to worry about buying new equipment or finding space until you've got things fully squared away.

But even in the worst-case scenario - you just don't manage to squeeze in ANY workouts - the physical move will keep you active enough that I don't think you'll lose much, if any, fitness in just two weeks' time.

Good luck!


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I have taken that off and more for an injury, which is different. Still the things you have to do to control your weight and get back into it are similar. Remember, you cannot eat like you did when you are exercising, so you may want to lower your calories a couple 100 a day. Also, you will be active packing and such, so that will help. Once back into it, lighter up a bit, maybe 5% and see how it feels. If you don't get real sore, start adding back in, slightly sore is OK.
I find that once you are at a good level of fitness, you don't lose it that fast, and you get it back fairly fast. I was off 6 weeks for a back injury 3 years ago. All of August and 2 weeks in September. I managed to swim in a swim meet in late October, and while I was not peak condition, I was getting there.
 
Nothing dramatic will happen to your body over such a short time period. You will bounce back to your strength level in no time. Just try to watch what you eat!
 
I read that you lose at the same rate that you build. Not sure how true that is, but I just took 2 weeks off for vacation and found I hadn't lost much. I reduced my previous weights (dumbells) by 5 lbs typically to start back in easier, but found after a week that I had no problem returning to my previous level (with even some gains).
 
I've just bee recovery from a rough weeks off of feeling under the weather and having too many other committments. I started back with a lighter cardio and weight routine and will stay at that level for two of three more sessions. I have done this in the past and never had a problem. Since I am blessed with thin genetics I didn't have to watch what I eat...but I generally try to make good choices on a daily basis anyway. I would imagine you'll be getting a bit of workout moving and unpacking anyway.
 
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