Summer is the most dangerous time of year when our good intentions in eating and training fall by the wayside.

I am often asked how much muscle / gains we lose when we are not training. I dunno, I don’t think there is any real firm answer. But for me, I know when I’ve taken more than a week off, it’s taken me 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to get back to where I was. I think it’s different for everyone, depending on genetics, how long you’ve been lifting etc. I know when I took 4 years off, it took a solid 18 months to 2 years to get back to where I was…

So if you are anticipating a layoff (or you’re in one now), consider starting back into it slowly. Usually, the muscles are more willing and able to get back up to speed and lift what you were lifting, but the tendons and ligaments need much more coaxing time…they are the lagging parts in all of this.

So be gentle with yourself...this is not a race. Or consider keeping up with your training at least 3 days a week, in the same fashion you were doing (if you lifted weights, aim to try to mimic that as best you can, if you’re a runner, aim to get some miles in). It will not only help the body stay tuned up, and help you adjust to the September return, but it will keep your brain on board, your confidence up, and your eating in line (when training fails, eating fails, and vice versa).

Stay well. See you in September!

karen

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