Will taking 1-2 weeks of active rest ruin my efforts?
pumpkinpocalypse
Posts: 104 Member
(PS just before i start i'm not into losing weight at the moment, but in increasing my muscle definition/toning up, and maintaining. but it's hard because i need to keep my weight as low as possible so i can't mess up for a sec)
I've been exercising in various ways 5-6 days a week for quite some time now (i'd say 2 months?), alternating between 2-3 days of poledancing classes, 2 zumba classes, swimming laps, cycling outdoors etc, per week...as you can read it in my bio. But sadly starting from next week, the pole studio is closing for 2 weeks, and zumba is doing the same the week right after. Meaning I only get 2-3 days of exercise next week (zumba), and no clue about the week after that...
Im also quite exhausted so even if i could technically decide to throw in 3 more days of swimming or bike rides in there, i actually dont feel like it. I could use some rest (even though i don't actually rest, i mean i still go do a ton of biking around for groceries/shopping etc, as i am a generally active person. But you know, i won't get a crazy elevated heartrate for a whole hour and work my muscles at their max either so it's not as beneficial as an actual workout).
Thing is, I'm really scared this is gonna throw me off and even if i eat at maintenance, i'll start gaining slooowly, or at least lose some muscle definition/the whole ''fit body'' look. I really don't want to be feeling fluffy for weeks...that would be terrible for my morale.
Anyone has had similar experiences? tips, advice, pats-in-the-back's about it? Also, are there changes in my diet i should do during that specific time to ensure my goals, such as going lower carb/sugar or whatever? (*cries a bit, i love my carbs...*) I could use some of you guys' knowledge on the matter! Thank you!
-a worried little fitness noob.
I've been exercising in various ways 5-6 days a week for quite some time now (i'd say 2 months?), alternating between 2-3 days of poledancing classes, 2 zumba classes, swimming laps, cycling outdoors etc, per week...as you can read it in my bio. But sadly starting from next week, the pole studio is closing for 2 weeks, and zumba is doing the same the week right after. Meaning I only get 2-3 days of exercise next week (zumba), and no clue about the week after that...
Im also quite exhausted so even if i could technically decide to throw in 3 more days of swimming or bike rides in there, i actually dont feel like it. I could use some rest (even though i don't actually rest, i mean i still go do a ton of biking around for groceries/shopping etc, as i am a generally active person. But you know, i won't get a crazy elevated heartrate for a whole hour and work my muscles at their max either so it's not as beneficial as an actual workout).
Thing is, I'm really scared this is gonna throw me off and even if i eat at maintenance, i'll start gaining slooowly, or at least lose some muscle definition/the whole ''fit body'' look. I really don't want to be feeling fluffy for weeks...that would be terrible for my morale.
Anyone has had similar experiences? tips, advice, pats-in-the-back's about it? Also, are there changes in my diet i should do during that specific time to ensure my goals, such as going lower carb/sugar or whatever? (*cries a bit, i love my carbs...*) I could use some of you guys' knowledge on the matter! Thank you!
-a worried little fitness noob.
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Replies
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Will taking 1-2 weeks of active rest ruin my efforts?
No0 -
I was feeling too exhausted to get my heart rate up, and one week of active rest later, I feel great again. I increased my activity level, but didn't do anything in the cardio training zone. I'm going to take a few more easy days in the future and try not to get that tired again. Oh, and I lost 1/2 off my waist during that week. I didn't eat less. I'm already eating at a slight deficit, and I thought I might need calories for healing.0
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Will taking 1-2 weeks of active rest ruin my efforts?
No
Yes (and by yes I mean no is the correct answer).
Whilst this article is specific to running it may help shed some light on detraining:
How quickly will you lose fitness?0 -
Will taking 1-2 weeks of active rest ruin my efforts?
No
Yes (and by yes I mean no is the correct answer).
Whilst this article is specific to running it may help shed some light on detraining:
How quickly will you lose fitness?
Thanks for the more in-depth reply, I guess that article makes sense. I mean yes right, I get it, getting straight ''no''s as the only answer kinda makes your point but it doesn't help me understanding how it works, and WHY wouldn't it make me out of shape or at least look like it (which is what i'm the most worried about, looks. because i know i'll physically be able to get back to work very quickly, ive always been, but i don't wanna look like puffy crap for 2 weeks in the meantime! :c )lithezebra wrote: »I was feeling too exhausted to get my heart rate up, and one week of active rest later, I feel great again. I increased my activity level, but didn't do anything in the cardio training zone. I'm going to take a few more easy days in the future and try not to get that tired again. Oh, and I lost 1/2 off my waist during that week. I didn't eat less. I'm already eating at a slight deficit, and I thought I might need calories for healing.
Ah i see, thanks! I'm relieved to know that it's more common than i thought to take weeks of rest and not just a day or two per week like we usually see on here (which is also what i've been doing as well).
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If you are eating at a deficit or at maintenance you won't gain weight, no matter what combination of foods you are eating.
If you are very worried about the loss in fitness level why not turn a couple of your bike rides each week into a workout? You say you ride around but don't elevate your heart rate but you certainly could if you wanted to, right?0 -
I feel ya, your body may like that break. But maybe just put in 50% effort for the two weeks. Quick 20 minute workouts, stick to weights. Or just eliptical training.
Just keep it lite.0 -
If you are eating at a deficit or at maintenance you won't gain weight, no matter what combination of foods you are eating.
If you are very worried about the loss in fitness level why not turn a couple of your bike rides each week into a workout? You say you ride around but don't elevate your heart rate but you certainly could if you wanted to, right?
I guess i could, it's just that i've done pretty much all of the destination-specific rides i had in my mind over and over so i wouldn't know where to go (and when i dont have a specific checkpoint to go to when bikeriding i just get lost and real tired of just cycling around the neighbourhood..its terrible) so I don't do them as often anymore. I guess i just should try finding a couple more spots to hit if there are any around my town.
Also yes I do elevate my heart rate when i go cycling and stuff in my normal everyday life activities, it's just that i don't count it as actual exercise because it's never for long enough, such as 30-60 mins, to seem significant enough to me.0 -
Anything over 20 minutes is a good cardio workout as far as your body is concerned. Don't sell your efforts short.pumpkinpocalypse wrote: »If you are eating at a deficit or at maintenance you won't gain weight, no matter what combination of foods you are eating.
If you are very worried about the loss in fitness level why not turn a couple of your bike rides each week into a workout? You say you ride around but don't elevate your heart rate but you certainly could if you wanted to, right?
I guess i could, it's just that i've done pretty much all of the destination-specific rides i had in my mind over and over so i wouldn't know where to go (and when i dont have a specific checkpoint to go to when bikeriding i just get lost and real tired of just cycling around the neighbourhood..its terrible) so I don't do them as often anymore. I guess i just should try finding a couple more spots to hit if there are any around my town.
Also yes I do elevate my heart rate when i go cycling and stuff in my normal everyday life activities, it's just that i don't count it as actual exercise because it's never for long enough, such as 30-60 mins, to seem significant enough to me.
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