Does Taking Weeks Off Have an Impact on Your Fitness Level?

Justin Kauffman • December 6, 2021

Are you like me and start beating yourself up over missing a few days of working.  Maybe you did some traveling over the Thanksgiving break or are planning to travel and take some time off over Christmas break.  Does it have an impact?  Does it demise the training you’ve been doing.  Most experts agree that after two weeks, you’re in trouble if you don’t get back in the gym.  “At the two week point without exercising, there are a multitude of physiological markers that naturally reveal a reduction of fitness level,” says Scott Weiss, C.S.C.S, a New York-based exercise physiologist and trainer who works with elite athletes.

Also interesting is that “speed, endurance, and strength can decrease by 25 to 30 percent within two to three weeks,” says Weiss.  

One more interesting thing that Weiss mentioned is: Both aerobic and strength training boost the neurotransmitter brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps promote the growth of new brain cells and enhances connections between existing ones. Some research even links low levels of BDNF to depression. “This makes exercise an important part of maintaining cognitive function,” he says.  

It’s better to get in a few short, high-intensity workouts than skipping completely.  A little something is always better than nothing and it will help slow the decline.  If you are traveling over the holidays, please let me know and I will provide you with some workouts that you can do in the gym or anywhere. 

A woman is lifting a kettlebell over her head in a gym.

MORE RECENT POSTS

By Frank Hurtado September 23, 2025
CrossFit is built on three core modalities: gymnastics, monostructural movements, and weightlifting . Each plays a unique role in developing well-rounded fitness: Gymnastics: bodyweight control and coordination (pull-ups, double unders, handstand push-ups). Monostructural: cardio and endurance (running, rowing, biking). Weightlifting: raw strength and power (snatches, squats, cleans, deadlifts). At RegenX Fitness, we structure our programming in 4-week cycles. During each cycle, we emphasize specific movements within every modality. For example, one cycle may focus heavily on snatches, back squats, or strict handstand push-ups while weaving in cardio pieces to build conditioning. We also program with different workout formats to create varied stimuli: AMRAPs (As Many Rounds/Reps As Possible) : Build endurance and mental toughness while encouraging athletes to pace themselves. EMOMs (Every Minute On the Minute) : Excellent for skill building, reinforcing technique under fatigue, and maintaining consistency. For Time Workouts: Develop speed and intensity, pushing athletes to complete a task as efficiently as possible. Within each of these formats, we vary time domains, each of which taps into a different energy pathway in the body: Short (0–2 minutes): Targets the ATP-PC system — raw power, explosive strength, sprint capacity. Moderate (2–10 minutes) : Engages the glycolytic system — high-intensity efforts that build stamina and grit. Long (10+ minutes): Relies on the oxidative system — endurance, pacing, and aerobic efficiency. By training across all these pathways, our athletes build the ability to perform at high levels whether it’s a short burst, a mid-range grind, or a long test of endurance. Another key feature of our programming is how we pair strength days (bench press, deadlifts, squats) with accessory work. While the big lifts train major muscle groups, the accessory movements target stabilizers and smaller muscles. This balance builds stronger joints, prevents imbalances, and enhances overall performance. This isn’t just random mixing—it’s a strategic, progressive approach designed to help members get stronger, faster, and more resilient over time. -Frank Hurtado
By Justin Kauffman January 10, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
A stack of gingerbread cookies with a red ribbon on a table with christmas decorations.
By Justin Kauffman December 11, 2022
Here’s the scenario: You get busy during the holidays. Really busy. You’re running around everywhere, you’re hosting relatives and friends, you’ve got all sorts of social commitments, and the kids’ schedules are packed with recitals and games. So you skip a workout. Then another. All of a sudden, it’s been a week since you hit […] The post Remember that something is always better than nothing. appeared first on Regenx Fitness and Nutrition.
More Posts