FASTING AND STRENGTH - DATA

Since I posted about my weight loss with my 7-day water fast, I thought I would also share one other relevant data set: my ability to perform push-ups.

And this is kind of nerdy, but it does prove a point about fasting.

When I started my fast, Melissa assumed that I would feel weak and tired immediately, and that each day I would drag a little bit more. She also feared that I would lose muscle mass. 

Those seem like solid assumptions, right?

In reality, though, if my general energy level saw any change, it was only for the better. I was more awake and alert and got more work done.

And there was no muscle loss.

Each morning for over a year now, I have begun my day with three sets of push-ups. I don't try for a specific number with each set, only that I push through until I can't do any more. After my first set, I go brush my teeth and shave, then do the second set, then shower, followed by the third set. I record the numbers in my daily calendar. (Tracking progress is a good incentive to keep up a habit.) 

I graphed the daily sets from before, during, and after the 7-day fast and here's what it looked like:

The interesting thing about the graph is that it shows no significant loss of numbers in the first set of push-ups, but when it comes to the second and third sets, there's a steep drop off starting at Day4/5.

So I lost some endurance strength temporarily, but I didn't lose any muscle mass - recovery was pretty immediate as soon as I resumed eating.