Any guy that has spent an appreciable amount of time in the gym has an inordinate fear of being small. You don't skip a workout because you'll shrink. You can't stop doing certain exercises because you'll shrink. Heck, if you miss one meal, you'll shrink.
At least, that is what the fear is.
It's not true. As long as your pattern of eating is good (enough calories) and you are getting stimulation for your muscles, you do not shrink.
Ok, you may not be getting bigger, but at least you're not going backwards! Why do I bring this up? Well, my weights finally arrived yesterday after a 6 month wait. I have not shrunk. I've been doing a basic bodyweight program (levels below my max ability), averaging 2 workouts a week. I've had several run-ins with illness. (not used to all the new germ varieties here). Also, my diet has been up and down. But, I'm still pretty much in the same condition as I was 6 months ago.
It's not ideal. I prefer to improve, but given the circumstances, not bad.
What does this mean?
1. If you need to focus on something (rehab, prehab, arms, calves), go for it. The rest will stay where it is if you put it in maintenance.
2. If you want to lose (or gain) weight, getting out of maintenance takes effort. Your body wants to stay there. But, if you can get to your goal, soon that will be your maintenance point and your body will want to stay there. So go for it.
Don't fear losing where you are. It's just a step to where you want to be anyway. But at least if things don't go to plan, you can feel more secure knowing that your hard work won't just instantly disappear!
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