We know that skeletal muscular strength stays about the same during a month of not exercising. However, as mentioned above, athletes can start losing muscles after three weeks of inactivity. You lose cardio, or aerobic, fitness more quickly than muscle strength, and this can start to happen in just a few days.
Here’s how to prevent muscle loss as you age:
Eat protein-rich foods. Studies suggest adults can lose up to 8 percent of muscle mass each decade after age 40.
Hit the gym. …
Sleep. …
Don’t cut carbs. …
Get enough vitamin D. …
Limit your alcohol intake.
Muscle physiology lore has long held that it is easier to regain muscle mass in once-fit muscles than build it anew, especially as we age.
