Can I maintain muscle lifting twice a week?

[Al1978]

I have Tourette syndrome, which although may be hilarious to some, is actually really annoying. Basically I tic all day and exercise of any sort makes my tics worse. I am physically capable of doing heaps of exercise and used to do lots when I was younger before it got bad, but now my tics get so unbareable during intense workout that I have to stop sometimes.

I have been working out for a month so far trying to lose 40 - 50 pounds. I am eating 300 cal 6 times a day & lifting 3 times a week (full body all compound exersises) and walking about 3km on my days off. I have lost 13 pounds so far which is good.

What I want to know is, after I lose the weight and build some muscle, would I be ok to just lift twice a week to maintain the muscle I will gain. This would make a big difference to my life as sometimes my Tourettes is worse for a day or two after training, so the less the better.

I will continue to lift 3 times a week for about 6 months or until I have lost the weight but after that would be good to go to 2 days a week is possible. I will also continue to walk every day.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks
Al

[MISSINGLINK]

Do a search for Iron Addict. He has a couple 2x per week routines.

[Ronnie Rowland]

You can gain on 2 days per week if done right!

[all pro]

You can gain on 2 days per week if done right!

I agree if done properly you can gain.

Mr Rowland, your starting to impress me. I might have to rep you.

[RipStone]

Do a search for Iron Addict. He has a couple 2x per week routines.

Here's the link...

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=3371051

Al1978--I really salute you for taking the right steps to lose weight and get in shape, despite your condition. I have first hand experience with the challenges inherent with training in conjunction with having a chronic illness. Yes, things can be more difficult, but it just makes reaching your utlimate goal all the more rewarding.

Best of luck to you.

[Al1978]

Great, thanks for the quick replies.

Al

[jgreystoke]

Not only can you maintain on twice a week training, you can make great gains as well.

Traditionally(pre steroid), the standard advice for mass gains was:

1.Concentrating on the big basic barbell moves(the ones in your profile above the goals). Weighted chins and dips were also considered great alternatives to the row and bench.

2.Training progressively, ie adding poundage regularily.

3.Drinking lots of milk to guarantee a calorie and protein surplus. Semi skimmed is advised, 'less you are really skinny.

4.Training as little as 2 times per week. Allows as much as 5 days growth and recovery from heavy training.

5.Little stuff like curls, abs, calves can be done whenever, without cutting into your recovery. Not as important as the big basics, tho'.

www.hardgainer.com has a lot of great stuff that is based on abbreviated training twice per week, or even three times every two weeks! Have a great exercise technique book too.

Much respect for your determination, and best of luck.