I've been on a weight training programme for awhile now but I'm going on holiday for a bit over 2 weeks and I won't have access to a gym/weights. So how much do you think I will weaken in that period?

I've just spent 3 weeks away from any form of excercise, but not really noticed any decrease in strength. But thats probably because I'm already weak as ****.

It depends on your body type. But overall, after 2 weeks, you shouldn't decrease in strength much, if at all. In fact, if you've been working out intensely for a while now, a brief rest period like that may prove helpful. Sometimes taking a rest can rejuvenate the body and promote more intense workouts once you get back to it.

Depending on how much training you have before your layoff, you can lose nothing or even come back "stronger", or you can lose up to 10% ( if you have been doing increased cardio in those 2 weeks).

No I won't be doing increased cardio..Ill probably go for 30 min jogs in the morning before bfast and the tours 3 times a week.


Would doing heaps of weightless exercises help?

Things that could cause a considerable drop in your strength level:
PROLONGED inactivity ( more than 4 weeks).
Increased cardio activity.
Injury.
A shift in training from STRENGTH to muscular endurance.
Over training.
Inadequate rest between workouts.

I am sure there are more though...

Death.

Death,
Natures way of telling you to slow down.

lol...I don't plan on dying anytime soon.

Originally posted by MUT
lol...I don't plan on dying anytime soon. Most people who're dead didn't either ;)

If I am going to be on holiday for 6 weeks with no access to a gym or weights (although there will be some hiking), what can be done to minimise muscle loss during this time?

You can bring along some surgical tubing and use it for resistance based exercise. All you need is some space, and I found a post I could tie it around very helpful. It's not anywhere as good as a gym, but it might help you keep from losing too much.

Ronin, how does increasing cardio tend to weaken you? Is this true even if you continue strength training at the previous rate?

Mut and Slart, don't sweat it. Or rather do sweat some and don't worry. Knock off some pushups, crunches, back of chair dips, chin ups, and a few other easy to do things while on vacation and you'll be fine. A couple years ago I was in an intense lifting program and then went to Hawaii. Did some swimming and hiking and the above exercises and hadn't drop Lbs on my chart when I returned to the gym. Also you can wear wrist and ankle weights and shadow box (kata?), or carry more when hiking. I've carried everyones's food and water when I've been motivated.

Originally posted by Spunky
Ronin, how does increasing cardio tend to weaken you? Is this true even if you continue strength training at the previous rate?

Cardio takes away from your recovery, thus hindering your ability to increase strength. Note, I said hinder NOT stop or eliminate.