Regaining lost fitness after a period of sloth like behaviour

[Houseplanter]

I seem to have gone from feeling quite fit (never out of breath walking fast, could jog 5k) to feeling like I'm back to square one in about 4 months!

I did so well to increase my fitness and now feel so out of breath.. please tell me it'll come back as quick

(If I do actually shift my increasing backside and exercise)

2 weeks .. you'll be fine! Get back on the plan and don't wait until after Christmas

Really?? Oh if I thought that was true I'd be out there tomorrow..

My exercise dropped significantly after getting pregnant and having children. I have put on a lot of weight due to pregnancy. My base level of fitness hasn’t disappeared. It’s muscle memory, your body won’t forget, you know you can do it. Just get back out there. I agree the first 2 weeks are the hardest.

OP I'm in the same position. Following with interest and hoping the 2 week response is true...

I just had nearly 3 months off after an injury and was worried about the same thing. my fitness had barely declined at all - I was really surprised. it felt a bit harder, but I still managed 5k, just a bit slower than before.

I wasn't super fit or fast before either, just a twice a week runner. The hardest bit was actually making myself go out as I kept finding reasons to delay it, but I had really started to feel toxic with the inactivity and I'd also started eating more crap. As soon as I wasn't exercising, it was almost like there was no point in eating healthily either.

Get out there - you'll b glad you did

Although these answers sound encouraging I'm worrying now because I do feel much more out of breath, even walking up the stairs.

I need to sort myself out

Take it easy for the first two week, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly the fitness levels come back.

If this is an abrupt appearance of breathlessness I’d maybe get your iron checked!