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2008/04/08, 12:53 PM
I have heard repeatedly that once you build muscle, it never really goes away entirely even if you stop working out - I had a friend tell me that although the muscle may not be as toned or in as great of shape as it once was, it is still there, buried under your newly acquired fat....meaning that although keeping up your muscle tone in obviously the best thing the do, but even if you do stray from your workouts - the hard work you previously put in will start paying off faster once you get serious again?
Is there any truth to this? For example would someone who used to compete in say gymnastics - but has now gained some weight find muscle building easier than someone who has never actively participated in physical activity?
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2008/04/08, 02:23 PM
Yes there is some truth to that. Once you get into your 30's, if you don't do something to maintain your muscle mass, it slowly starts to degrade over the years. I think that by being involved in gymnastics, you have an advantage over a novice in the beginning. I've had a few periods where I didn't go to the gym for a couple months at a time, and it was a very short re acclimation for me. If it's been years for you, just take it easy at first. Don't try to go from zero to full speed over a week. Find a good steady pace that lets you continue to increase your activity.
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2008/04/08, 02:32 PM
Cool! It has been years since I competed, but up until the last 2 1/2 years or so, I have stayed fairly active playing softball, walking/running and most recently Karate. I have really taken the last couple of years pretty easy, and am seeing the damage! (that and 2 C-sections within a 20 month time frame)
I am glad to hear that it may be a little easier for me to re-gain some of my muscle. If I can just stay motivated now....lol (I do well for a month or 2, and then get "busy" with the rest of life and stray...
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2008/04/08, 03:49 PM
Testosterone depletes at an average of 1% per year. Therefore atrophy will most definitely take place without use. Old adage, use it or lose it is absolutely true. This is why it is so utterly important to keep exercising, if you do not, your fat to muscle ratio will deteroiate rapidly, thus your ability to burn fat, general overall health, bone health, etc.
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Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer
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