Can you "lose" your fitness

[bluerider]

This is a dumb question but can you "lose" your fitness? What I mean is my cycling has gone from 5 days a week to like 1 or 2. I cannot stand the trainer right now and wondering if I will "lose" what I've worked so hard to build over the summer? I've also noticed that with the changing season I am eating like every meal is my last. Doing the math: more calories + less exercise = I do run but I was on the bike today and noticed I am more achey and sore.

[Blueberry]

I ended up having to take about 2 weeks off the bike with a *wicked* case of leg crease area saddle sores (a trip to the doc was required). When I got back on the bike, I noticed that I was very slow and very sore. So, I think I lost something in those 2 weeks. The good news, though, is that I came back much more quickly than when I started cycling after a more extended break. I think my body "remembered" and therefore retrained more quickly. So...I would guess you won't stay in peak shape, but you won't be back where you started either.

How's that for yes and no at the same time

[runnergirl]

Yes, you can. How much and how fast depends on where you start. There are lots of studies out there, try google!

VO2 max takes over a week to start declining, but muscles start going at 3 days or so. There's some interesting data on how cycling maintains running fitness, but not visa versa, I'll see if I can find and post that study.

[snapdragen]

Oh Dog Yes! Just ask me, I've not ridden since April. Can't elaborate 'cause I've been out celebrating my last night in Maui....hsdoiug;lajwe;lh!

Yes Sadie - I bar hopped.

[bluerider]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Oh man, I figured as much. I guess it's "break" time for my body but honestly am shocked at how much of an effort it was last night. I felt like I was going for my first bike ride again. As much as I hate it, I'll have to suck it up and ride on my trainer.

[JLD]

You can certainly 'overtrain' and there is good info out there on nutrition and training. I can reccomend Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook--as an overview for fueling muscles.

[SadieKate]

Yes Sadie - I bar hopped.

You feeling refreshed this morning? Hee-hee. You report to Jo on the cabana boys yet? I wanna hear, too!!

[caligurl]

i'm a believer that you can lose fitness..... now i don't think the eating has anything to do with your fitness level.. you can be heavier and really really fit... just... uhm... overweight! but if you exercise less or stop altogether.. yes.. i believe you lose fitness (and yes... most likely gain weight.. if you eat the same or more calories!)

i dread the time change thing cuz i ride so i can eat.. i LOVE LOVE LOVE food! but i also know it's possible to lose or maintain without riding (by eating less) cuz i did it before i was a cyclist! (i was working out daily though.. which i still do monday through fridays... every mornint... 4 a.m.... )

but don't despair.. you will get your fitness level back once you get back "on track" and start riding more!

[CorsairMac]

I was off the bike for 2 1/2 wks and the first thing I noticed was my climbing legs were - ummm - gone. It's been 2 wks since I"ve been back and on the bike again and they're coming back fairly quickly so yes you can lose the fitness but like CA said, your muscles will "remember" and come back quicker.
As for the eating like it's your last meal - I notice I do that when the days get shorter. I also crave more carbs. I'm guessing it has to do with that whole hibenation mode thing. I just make sure I have UV bulbs in the lamps I read under at night and I've added some Vit D to my regime to help me compensate. So far this fall I've managed to quell the cravings.

[RoadRaven]

Yes, you can lose fitness, but even if you a year off the bike, it still takes you less time to regain fitness if you have been fit, than it does to acieve the same level of fitness if you are new to it.

So your hard work is not for nothing, because your body remembers and will help you get back to where you want to be...

[latelatebloomer]

Blue, I'm struggling, too. For me, the lessening daylight is the major reason. I'm adding some spinning at the gym, and I'm trying to crosstrain with some yoga and walking, but, yeah, my appetite's up, too. It's chillier these days! I'm going to have to go back to doing the food diary.

[Civa]

I'm with you on this one! I go thru a major adjustment between September and October. Less daylight and less exercise and more eating. My periods get really mixed up, I'm cranky, and I know I have to make an effort to work out more at the Y--spinning, swimming and weights. I guess we are just putting the fat back on---you know---the fat we worked so hard all summer to get rid of! Snow is coming....

[bluerider]

Okay! Glad I'm not alone. It's dark here at 6:30 which means unless I get out of work early, it's hard for me to get out there without riding into the dark. I save Sundays as my long rides but just once a week doesn't seem to cut it.

I'm glad also I'm not the only one who seems to be stuffing their face. My appetite has never been better but my pants are also more........fitted.

I just worked really hard this summer to shed 10 really tough pounds and I just don't want to undo my work.

I guess we are just putting the fat back on---you know---the fat we worked so hard all summer to get rid of! Snow is coming....

Blame the snow!!!!!!!!! I guess my body's trying to insulate!