But how long does it take to lose fitness?
Perhaps it is because of an injury, maybe work is extra busy, or family commitments pile up. Perhaps it’s an illness or any number of other life events that causes you to take a break from your fitness routine. Let’s face it, no matter who you are, life happens.
Those accidental and out-of-our-control breaks aside, what I want to focus on is those times when you actually know a time-out is coming. The break in your training is actually on your calendar and is completely within your control. Those are the breaks that—if prepared for correctly—can actually help your fitness rather than hurt it.
For example, I just returned from traveling to Bermuda to report on a WTS (World Triathlon Series) race. I knew well ahead of time that I wouldn’t have the time, the gear, or perhaps even the inclination to continue with my normal fitness regimen while I was there, so I prepared myself for the break. How did I do that exactly? I will get into that in a moment, but first, let’s talk about how our bodies typically handle breaks in training.
Source: scientificamerican