I thought I had posted this, but my computer hiccupped and it seems to be lost. So, here goes again.

I was doing very well on my attempt to get fit and healthy - cardio 4-5 days a week at 45 - 60 minutes, full body workouts with a trainer 1 day a week and 2 days on my own. Progress on increasing weight and intensity was going nicely.

Then I got sick in December - a case of shingles that had me laid out in pain and eating comfort food every night. Plus my trainer left my gym.

So I started back late last week. My cardio endurance and intensity were not where they were but are getting back nicely. The weight training, however, is kicking my butt. I have worked out twice with a new trainer and I really do think he will be good for me. But each time I have been in pain (can barely walk pain) the next day and sore the 2nd. I guess the good news the pain is in different places each time. I am (can't believe this is *me*) enjoying the workouts and glad to be back. I know I am disappointed in myself and trying to let that go.

I remember reading (somewhere) that it takes 2 weeks to lose muscle tone. Is this true? And, more importantly, how long does it take to get back to where you were and start moving forward again?

Thanks!

I've taken 2 weeks off before and have lost some muscle tone, but not all, ... The wonderful thing is that muscle has memory and you'll bounce back faster than someone who has never done weight training before...no specific time frame because everyone is different...HTH

Ellen,

I don't know any real stats for this sort of thing, either, but Ilene is right that it's easier to restart than start for the first time. Shingles is a nerve-related thing, right? So it could be that some of the pain you're describing is due to the nerves and connecting tissues still healing as you exercise more. I'm not a health care professional by any means, but it's what comes to mind.

In any case, I think you're doing great. My wild guess based on my own experience is that it takes at least a month back in your routine before you really feel like you're back to where you were before you got sick. Just give yourself some time and don't push yourself too hard and cause an injury.

Ellen,

Here is a HIGH FIVE to you for getting back in the gym so quickly. From what I have heard about shingles, it is amazing that you are in there are working so soon. Be careful and don't push too hard. The biggest accomplishment is getting well enough to be motivated to work out and you have done that already.

Great job!

Tiki.

Thanks you ladies for your inputs. It sounds like a 1 for 1 trade can be my gauge. You all are a tremendous help and are making me understand that I need to stop beating myself up over what has been lost, stop looking back and keep pushing forward. Yes, shingles is a nervous system disease and probably the most pain I have ever been in. I have been off the one drug that directly impacts the nervous system for over a week now and I am still having problems regulating my body tempurature ... or I could be starting into hot flashes. Who knows?

What I do know is I am happy to be back in the gym and getting back to my old self. I did a Pilates session and 40 minutes on the treadmill today. Yesterday and tomorrow are weight days with my trainer + 30 minutes on the treadmill. So far I am tired, but good tired. Not as sore today as I was after my first weight day back. I hate to admit it, but I missed working out.

2005 is going to be our year to reach all our dreams!!

Thanks again
Ellen

Now why would you hate to admit that? I LOVE my workouts and would be a B with an itch without my workouts... Hang in there, in time it'll all come together for you...

Hi Tiki long time no see girl!!