How long do strength gains from lifting weights last?

If I stop training will I lose muscle mass / become less strong ? How long will this take ? Is it possible to acheive a permanent increase in strength or muscle mass that does not require regular training to maintain ?
Answer:
Once you stop you would start losing muscle so just do a light workout not to retain your muscles.

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talk to a trainer , there are simple exercises you could do to help maintain muscle tone.

But they will turn to fat if you do not do some exercise

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it is called the principle of reversibility. Detraining occurs within 48 hours of not continuing strengthening. You will not lose it all that quickly but that is how quickly it can start. You could research it. But it is very rare that we stay the same. Usually we are getting stronger or weaker. Twice a week should keep you where you are. But I have seen studies that show once a week creates strength improvement. Anyway, you will never have a permanent gain in strength. If you don't use it, you lose it. And the line about it turning to fat, not true.
And why does everybody say, ask a trainer. Most trainer's are gym rats who are failed body builders. Now a strength and fitness professional with proper education and experience, that is the person you want to talk to.

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No. If you want to keep what you gained, you'll need to work on it and keep it in shape. You can't gain strength and a physique, and then land a couch potato job and expect to keep it. It will dissappear into the couch cushions as fast as the remote will. No pain, no keep the gains.

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