One thing I would like to add is that there is a difference between losing muscle mass and losing muscle strength. The ability to pull or lift a weight is not solely dependent upon the amount of muscle tissue. In addition to the physical mass of it, the neuromuscular efficiency is also a key component. That is, how well does the brain communicate with each fiber to execute the movement efficiently.
There is some variance in what the minimum amount of times you need to lift to maintain strength goals based upon what level you are lifting, novice, intermediate and advanced as well as your basic genetics. However as a ballpark number for novice I seem to recall that once a week is enough to stimulate the tissues to maintain strength.
Whenever I've had to take time off from my regular lifting routine I usually would allow myself about two to three weeks to acclimate before I would evaluate any real significant losses in strength.
Last edited by Lydia227; 08-27-2011 at 12:37 PM.
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