Inconsistent Exercise Routine and Flabby Arms

[Trialanderror]

My favorite exercise is kickboxing three times a week for 90 minutes but due to work schedules I only follow this routine about 6 months out of the year. All the muscle tone usually disappears after a month of being inactive and the same bulk of mass will still be there but in an ugly flabby version. I am mainly talking about upper arms. I am in my mid forties and used to burn off fat by increasing exercise but never by reducing carbs - mainly bread, pasta, rice - so far. Does anyone know if the transition from muscle mass to flabby fat can be reduced in time and extent? I am not sure if it is a carb problem or the abrupt change of exercise routine. I usually watch to reduce my calorie intake once the inactive phase starts but my upper frame somehow looks like an aging boxer.... Thanks for any advice!

[QuestionableMotive]

One thing people almost always over look is that if you cut calories your body looks for components of your body to widdle away at in order to fill the void.  A lot of the time your body wilI break down your muscles, your muscles are a great source of energy.  I was personally doing Muay Thai for a while and Its great cardio and amazing for your muscles.  You have to remember not to cut calories, but watch what you intake (i.e. Saturated and Trans fats, sodium, Sugars, ect.).  Your body will break down in order to fill the void of missing calories!!  Eat your protein, white meats - chicken and fish, will help maintain those muscle cells which ultimately burn more fat.  If your unable to do the kick boxing for 6 months of the year you should try and take up something else in your spare time either walking or jogging just to keep yourself in shape.  I'm glad to see your keeping your carbs, they're important but try to have them during your first two meals, and stick to proteins and vegetables at night.  Carbs are essential to maintaining your energy throughout the day but usually go unused at night and stores as fat.  - Good luck!  

[Trialanderror]

Thanks for the sound advice, QM. If all I have to do is cut out the carbs for the p.m. and otherwise continue the same caloric intake through a variety of healthy foods, I will be a happy camper... It sounds like a great plan. For the exercise during the slow months I might as well keep up the 100 push-ups and sit-ups per day we do during kick-boxing sessions, I am sure it was part of your Muay Thai warm-up as well. Jogging, running, walking is not an option anymore as I can neither take my preschooler along nor leave him home alone but I do get the concept now you explained. It must have been all those 3 a.m. toasts I have been eating during my nightshifts.... Thanks again!