Question About Maintenance

[sparrow]

Hey All,

Quick question for those in the know. It's been said that it takes up to six weeks to lose muscle, once you stop working out. Does that mean that, if you have reached a level of definition etc. that you are happy with, you could conceivably maintain that level indefinitely with shorter, less intense workouts?

TIA!

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

 

[LauraMax]

IMO no, you'd probably have to continue doing whatever your normal routine is. That's what I've done since I've reached my goal.

What I have modified is my diet. It's much less restrictive now that I'm at my goal weight.

 

[sparrow]

Thanks, Laura!

you know, I ask because I am in this totally odd exercise phase where I couldn't care less if I work out. I've been working out for 6-7 years at this point, and I have never been this disinterested. It's not that I'm tired, or bored or burned out; I know what those feel like, and how to deal with them. This feels completely different. I have plenty of time to do it and am not stressed or depressed. When I moved I didn't work out for about ten days (but was plenty active) and so thought I would be dying to get back into it. But it's like I woke up one day in someone else's exercise frame of mind...

Sparrow

ETA: that said, I am actually continuing to workout. I may not care now but I have a feeling I might wake up next week or month and care very much, lol. So, I'm doing it.

x( <------- me, crabby.

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

 

[LauraMax]

Oh believe me, I've been there. It'll be 18 years for me as of next March.....

I seem to go through cycles. I can go for months when I just cannot wait to get to the gym or wake up early & do a Cathe step workout. Then I get into this rut, whether I'm really busy at work, or my personal life is rough, or even for no reason at all, when I feel like my energy levels are too low or my motivation is at level zero.

Maybe you could take a week or two & just do some light yoga/pilates/cardio? You just moved but I don't count that as rest (actually THE most stressful experience people go through). When was the last time you had a true rest week? Your body might be telling your mind that you need a break.....I usually find that, as mentally difficult as it may be, that physically I feel SO much better after a week off.