Fifty Plus (50+) - Getting out of shape

Years ago, I read somewhere that it takes about 2 months to lose everything you worked so hard for, in weight lifting. I wonder if the same thing applies to cycling. Being locked in the house all winter, must really take a long time to get back what you lost. I was thinking more of injuries and sicknesses also.

I've been stuck inside since Jan 6 (shoulder surgery) and haven't been on the trainer very much. My leg keeps bumping my arm/sling) on the upstroke and it's not very comfortable riding like that. :o Consequently my leg muscles are turning to mush. :cry:
I sure hope it won't take too many weeks to get back to something close to where I was in mid-December. :o

Last summer I had a month where I rode a total of 40 miles. We started the month with a long camping trip and ended it with a trip to the family lake house. The week we were home I was down with a cold. I can tell you it was tough getting back up to speed after that hiatus but it was easier than it was to get to that level originally.

all it takes is one week for me to notice a difference

I am having a hard time understanding why George in Texas would be stuck in the house all winter. I have ridden just under 100 miles so far this week, and I am certain that the conditions here in Maine are not as good as they are in Texas! BTW, riding through slush is a great way to keep your conditioning up!

When I was in the Marines- you were fit- and I do mean fit with the continual physical work you were doing. But occasionally- there would be a thing called work to do- Your trade whatever that may be and it may have been as a penpusher or other sedentary job. You could take a full 12 months off physical exercise and the PTI's would get you fit within 2 weeks. Mind you- That 2 weeks was hell- 8 hours a day- 14 days solid- of structured training. Luckily I never had to go through it.

I am having a hard time understanding why George in Texas would be stuck in the house all winter. I have ridden just under 100 miles so far this week, and I am certain that the conditions here in Maine are not as good as they are in Texas! BTW, riding through slush is a great way to keep your conditioning up!

Foot operation. I get the pin out in 3 weeks.

The time to degenerate will be less the older you are. I suspect that's why books like Younger Next Year recommend exercising 6 out of 7 days/week.
Al

As a precaution, I avoided cycling and jogging for 3 weeks following a retinal repair. I got back into shape by riding to work every day the next week.

I'm sure this is different for everyone but there are many factors. Age, of course, and the level of fitness reached before the layoff. I've read that if the top pro cyclists take a week off it takes them 4 weeks to get back to where they were.
I know I certainly feel it if I don't ride during the week and go do something hard on Saturday.

Thanks for the replies guys. Did I come up with a plan yesterday. I took the clipless pedals off the Jamis and put on a cheap set of flat pedals. Just rode around the neighborhood and it worked great.:D

I would agree with the 2 months to get completely out of riding shape. BUT, I found I can return to my former level in much less time than when I was a newb. Once I begin doing three road rides per week, I expect to be back at B level in four to 6 weeks.