Gloria25 Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 I saw the "Deliver us from Evil" movie the other day and Joel McHale was co-staring and you could tell he worked out for the movie - I mean, he usually has a leaner build. I've also seen how Tom Hardy can get ripped, pumped up for certain roles - then revert to either lean, a little doughy, or just average. I have to be consistent with my workouts. I don't take special protein shakes/pills/powders, etc. I've noticed that if I am not consistent with my workouts - while I can get back in shape, it sure takes "work". Is it normal to have to work hard at maintaining muscle/fitness if you're not consistent - even though you believe you're at the "maintenance" stage of fitness? Thanks, Link to post Share on other sites
Andy_K Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 The idea of a 'maintenance' level is a bit misleading. It's better to think of it as the plateaux. Everyone's body has a different natural level it will revert to if you stop working at it, a certain amount of muscle and a certain amount of fat. The further you are away from that, the harder the body tries to revert and the more you have to do to stop it. If you're underweight (say you've been starved) you'll pack on much of the missing muscle easily. If you're big it's far harder. Any given level of effort will eventually see you plateaux at a certain level away from your natural state. That's your maintenance level for that state. Any less effort and you'll plateaus lower. Any more and you'll make gains until you plateaux higher. If you're far enough away from your body's natural state, then yes you'll have to work damn hard to maintain it, especially if you're inconsistent. Link to post Share on other sites
thefooloftheyear Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 It depends...mostly genetic....Some people tank like a rock if they arent killing it, others dont... There are some homeless guys that have shyt diets and never work out that can embarrass most gym guys...Some have it easier than others... As for the Hollywood people....Dont put too much into that..They have engineered diets and the best trainers money can buy...Then you add the chemical assistance(AAS/GH/etc) and its easier for them to get where they want/need to be... TFY Link to post Share on other sites
Emilia Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 Is it normal to have to work hard at maintaining muscle/fitness if you're not consistent - even though you believe you're at the "maintenance" stage of fitness? Thanks, Not sure what you mean by 'working hard'. It's relative. If it's 2 hours a day 5 days a week, you are doing it wrong, most likely. Link to post Share on other sites
Priv Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 This thread makes me think of Christian Bale in The Machinist. Wonder what his workout program looked like Still the most awe inspiring effort of looking the part... 1 Link to post Share on other sites
xxoo Posted November 8, 2014 Share Posted November 8, 2014 Losing muscle is a normal part of the aging process. After maturation, we are pretty much slowly aging. Working to build muscle is necessary in order to keep the muscle we had naturally at younger ages. What is the "maintenance" stage for you? For me, fitness is part of my lifestyle. I believe the human body was designed to work, perform, and "use it or lose it". Thus, the maintenance mode for me involves getting sweaty and work my muscles at least a few times a week. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Andy_K Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 This thread makes me think of Christian Bale in The Machinist. Wonder what his workout program looked like Still the most awe inspiring effort of looking the part... I heard he was living on an apple and a tin of tuna a day to get down to that weight. He wanted to go lower but there were fears for his health! Then in the space of something crazy like 6 months after he bulked up massively for batman begins. Legend. Link to post Share on other sites
Tik Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Your diet will play a huge role in this; eat a lot of fat and while you can keep lean, you'll start to curve up too. Eat a healthy diet and I remember reading you can get away with even just 2 or 3 good gym sessions per week to maintain. Like one of the other posters says, some are doing it wrong, others simply go with goals in mind and others like me, use it as a de-stress every day. Each to their own. The biggest thing is making sure you keep yourself in optimal shape is the most important part. Link to post Share on other sites
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