Took one whole year off in 17 years. Didn't lose anything, just gained bodyfat.
I was originally 185 @ 9% bodyfat for over 5 years. The year I took off I stayed very active but I didn't really hit the weights. I did a lot of pushups, chins and dips at home, but nothing serious or consistent.
I ballooned up to 210 at 20% bodyfat. I also started drinking Coke (the beverage
) and eating a shitload of fast food. I also ate a lot of ice cream and Sees candy.
Once I got back into the gym after this year of layoff, I got down to 190 at 17% bodyfat with just small changes in the diet. No more soda, but also no cardio.
Now I am at 188 @ 10% bodyfat. Diet is clean most everyday and I do about 2 hours a week on the recumbent bike at home. Low intensity, long duration works just fine for me. I usually watch a movie while I'm doing the cardio.
I suppose I lost a little strength in that year also, but nothing like most gymrats would expect. I still always looked like I worked out.
I won't do that again unless I get sick or something stupid happens.
If you made good solid gains in the first place, you don't just lose it overnight. You do cover the muscle with a layer of fat and water though...
