Muscle loss?

[.V.]

OK here it is - I worked very hard for quite some time without a break. Max OT + some powerlifting additions to it. Then took some time off. But didn't really rest - just worked my butt off cutting trees, tossing and draggin logs - getting in a few cardio workouts. Then back into it with some strength loss, cutting for 2 months - going into the 3rd month right now.

Probably around 9 or 10% body fat right now, just need to cut a little more.

The thing is I'm tired, sick, can't eat much, and need some real rest which I'm taking right now.

Before I started cutting, my upper arm measurement was 15". Right now it's just barely a little less on the right and a bit more than 15.75 on the left. I have lost strength, I did get overtrained. I do believe I've lost some muscle on my cut.

Question is, to lose between 1/8 and 1/4 inch of upper arm measurement, how much muscle loss is that.

I'm taking my time off in spite of muscle loss - that isn't the issue, just wondering how much I can expect to lose.

If some of the more experienced people can fill me in on the bad news, I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks

[Chain]

Man, I wish there was an easy answer to that Welch. They say that for every inch of muscle you put on your arms you gain about 10 lbs of bodyweight. From my own personal experience going from 16-17" that's about right. But I'm sure it's also due to gaining muscle on other parts of the body. But since you lost some on your arms, it's safe to say you probably lost some in other muscles as well. How much of it is actual muscle tissue or glycogen stores and water is hard to say. But I'd say you probably lost about 2-3 lbs of muscle.

The good news is from what I've heard of people who've done unsuccessful cuts, getting the muscle back was usually easier than when they gained the muscle the first time around.

If you take some time off from lifting you may not lose anything at all. It depends how long you're going to take off, how your diets going to be, and whether you are in a state of overtraining right now. I overtrained myself before, took two weeks off, and was actually stronger my first workout back. So if you take a week or two off you probably wont lose anything that you wont gain back in a few workouts. So unless you're planning on taking longer then that off don't worry too much about it. You'll bounce back man.

[.V.]

Thanks for the information. I'm taking off until completely well -- even if I lose it all. I'm still coughing and feeling weak today. That means another day of rest.

[cursor]

The rest sounds smart. I have no idea how much muscle you might have lost (if any). The only thing that really matters is that you do things a bit more moderately from here on out. Take a week or two off, then slip back into an exercise mode ... gradually. Make sure that you eat enough quality food to fuel your activities.

[Chain]

Welch, were you giving yourself a cheat day on your cut?

[.V.]

I don't cheat - cut or bulk. I have "fake cheats". When cutting, I have fake, sugar free ice cream and other "low carb treats". When bulking, I have no treats or cheats.

Well, 'cept for the day that I slipped a month ago and had the chimichanga.

[.V.]

Cool thing happened today. I walked past the mirror without a shirt and saw deltoid striations and abs today - with nothing flexed - just relaxed and hanging out. Maybe being sick has been a good thing, forcing me to rest. Of course being not able to eat sucks - I'm sure I'm losing muscle. I hope you dudes are right about getting it back fairly quickly but still - I'M RESTING UNTIL WELL. Notice all the time I've got to find silly sh*t on the internet. Hope you guys are ready to be bombarded with some of the dumbest jokes ever - I've got plenty saved up for you.

[getaway]

3 MONTHS?

I worked out everyday for 5 months the SAME muscle, I gained muscle, didn't lose any, so I seriously doubt it