Miss a workout? No big deal. But two weeks away from the gym can mean declines in strength, stamina and health, even for the ultrafit.
When it comes to exercise, consistency is key.
Even for the fittest among us, a few weeks away from training can result in rapid declines in strength, aerobic capacity, and the biomarkers, such as blood pressure, that indicate a healthy body.
“Detraining will occur relatively quickly, with major declines occurring after two or three weeks,” says Mark Peterson, Ph.D., an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Michigan. The graphic above outlines some of the changes and when they occur.
But maintaining a regular exercise routine has many benefits.
“Strength preservation and daily physical activity in adolescence, midlife, and older adulthood are powerful protective factors for maintaining cardiovascular health and functional mobility, reducing injury and extending life expectancy,” Peterson says.
Below are tips for sticking with an effective exercise routine:
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Aim for intermittent physical activity:
Break up exercise into chunks throughout your day. It’s effective and fits around busy schedules.
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Go gym-free:
Resistance exercise can take place without access to a gym. Simply use your body weight for moves such as bodyweight squats, push-ups, planks, pull-ups (or inverted rows), lunges, stair climbing or even playing in a jungle gym.
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Combine forces:
Aerobic and resistance exercise together are far superior to either alone for improving body composition and metabolic health, increasing muscle strength and endurance, and enhancing cardiorespiratory health and fitness.
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Try HIIT:
Occasionally, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can be used to improve health and fitness in less time. Cycling, running, or stair-climbing HIIT for equivalent work and rest ratios can produce immediate and better effects.
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Get outdoors:
Regular participation in exercise and recreation out-doors can reduce stress and depressive symptoms, improve mood, and enhance cognitive health.
