When it feels like fitness never happened

[dutchgirl]

Hello everyone,

I haven't worked out for almost 3 weeks because I have spent this time doing a massive remodeling/redecorating project for my condo. I have been prepping, spackling, painting (walls and cabinetry), building, sewing, hanging, planting, and almost any other type of -ing you can think of. I know that I have been working hard because almost every day I would wind up exhausted and aching in the shoulders, back, arms, legs, etc. I also lost 7 pounds during this time. So the home improvement is finally done (and it all looks sooooo fabulous I can't hardly stand it) and today I decide to do a Cathe workout, Cardio and Weights to be specific as it's one of my favorites and I thought would be a good way to get back into structured working out, and I DIED!!!!!!! I couldn't even get through all the cardio segments and I had to go down to 5 pounds on most of the weights!!!! What happened!?!?!?! And how do I go about getting back into structured workout shape? I'm so frustrated that I feel so weak and icky!

Thanks for any suggestions and feedback.
Sabine

 

[Aquajock]

Hi, Sabine! When a longer-than-normal break in one's exercise program happens, it's natural to experience a bit of a setback in terms of cardiovascular and strength performance. Just get back into it by . . . well, getting back into it; do workouts that are challenging but not killing, and you'll be back to your cool self in a very short period of time. The beauty of having maintained a good fitness program is that you can bounce back from program blips far more quickly than can someone who's just starting out, because you've developed coordination and mass already.

You'll get it back. Just get back to it!

Welcome back!

A-jock

 

[punky3333]

Hey Sabine,

Don't be discouraged. The great thing about working out for a long time, as Aquajock said, is that you bounce back much faster. This summer I took off a week at the ocean because I was being lazy. When I came back everything felt like it was killing me, but within a week I was back to where I left off.

Don't worry, be HAPPY

 

[firmscorpio]

Those are the excate words i've been looking for.I've been in a wickard rut over a year&half.So,this week i made a commit to myself to get back on track.I thought the same thing this morning about doing C&W next week.I know what i'm in for.Start out light and work myself back up to my normal workouts and weights.It's so disappointing to lose all your strength&cardio endurance.

 

[lynda]

I know just how you feel. I went to Florida with my kids for just one week, and during that time, I even managed to get in a few long walks (no easy task in that heat). When I got back, I jumped right back into it on Monday morning, and I felt like such a wimp. I din't know your fitness level could deteriorate so much in so short a time. Well, I'm happy to say that today's Friday, and this morning's workout was sooooo much better. I guess that's one benefit of living healthy--you bounce back much faster. Your body says, "Oh yeah! I remember this. I better keep up!" Best of luck, and I'm so happy your remodel went so well. What a great feeling! Lynda

 

[WD]

Hi Sabine,
I have been there a few times. Once I had surgury and could not work out for 3 weeks. Another time we were on vacation for 11 days. I am soon to be gone 2 and a half weeks. The other two times it did not take any time to get back into it. Muscles have memory. The first workout was hard but by the third I was back on top of it. I think it is good sometimes for the break. I was really anxious to get back to my fitness routine. Most vacations I do walk a lot as on the beach or in Las Vegas. I try taking tubing and bands with me but use them very little. I usually end up to busy. You will get back in to it much more quickly than if you were starting at the beginning.
Diane Sue

 

[lorihart]

Oh I know to well what you mean. Its crazy b/c you work out for such a long time ,then you take a little time off and everything goes caput!!!
I went away on a course for a new job a month ago and I took 3 weeks off.When I got back I could barely squat 20 pounds.But the good news is...it doesn't take that long to build yourself back up.I read in one of my fitness mags that the muscle as a wonderful memory and it doesn't take long to restore itself.
Chances are if you lost 7 lbs most of it was muscle.No doubt you were working hard but you were probably working your muscles in a different way.
Just get back to the weights and in no time you be pump'in like you were before...
Lori