how long does it take for a muscel to get outta shape

[spesmilitis]

I heard that a muscel is not exercised, after a while it will go back to its 'pre-lifting' form and it won't be as efficient.

Does anyone know how long that takes? Anyoen have some aritcles on that?

 

[Teflon_Mcgee]

I don't know the exact physiology but a general rule of thumb is you will lose your gains in about 1/2 the time it took to make them (within reason).

Of course this is not very accurate as it has to do alot with how long you've been working out (i.e. I ran a marathon as my first run after taking 6 months off.)

If you have years of conditioning you'll be okay talking a little time off. If you have a month or two you will lose your gains QUICK.

 

[Kerpal]

I think it depends on your genetics. I know everyone says you're supposed to take time off once in a while, but it seems to have a negative effect on me. I took a week off once and it had a terrible effect on my strength. All my weights went down a lot, it set me back by a few weeks. I'm never taking time off again, unless of course I get sick/injured.

 

[Maestro Monk]

takes exactly 864,000 seconds..
I'll have to agree with the poster above..1 week off of training set me back by quite a longshot.
might also depend on how often you lift and follow usual eating habits..the average joe lifting once a week might not notice any difference between the hardcore lifter who's second home is the bench.

 

[[S]alvatore]

Muscular atrophy usually occurs after 2 weeks of not having any stimuli.

 

[Warboss Alex]

Muscular atrophy usually occurs after 2 weeks of not having any stimuli.

Very generalised statement, a lot of things have to be taken into account, genetics first and foremost, but also stuff like muscle density/maturity etc.

I've gone up to 3 months with no working out and crappy eating (real life does that to you) with no change in scale weight or body composition.

Thick, dense muscle built up by heavy training is much less likely to atrophy as sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, i.e. a prolonged 'pump' would.

And if you do lose them, they come back real quick.

 

[blinkwatt]

And if you do lose them, they come back real quick.

Is that what people refer to as "muscle memory"?

 

[Warboss Alex]

Is that what people refer to as "muscle memory"?

Yes. And the longer and harder you work out, the better the muscle remembers.