confused.. any suggestions?

[Mifody]

i've been lifting for about 1 year now.
i'm 22 5'8" 170 pounds 15-16% bf
i figure i've put on 20 pounds of muscle since i started but the bodyfat has basically stayed the same.
with summer almost here i would like to get the bodyfat down to about 8%, but at the same time i dont know if i'm big enough yet to bother with cutting or if that much fat loss is even possible by summer.
if i decide to keep gaining, i will do it through summer as well as next winter and then cut up for 2002.

so basically i'm wondering what you all would suggest.. gain muscle or loose fat?

 

[MtnBikerChk]

Hi there!

I've learned lots of great stuff from the guys here - and one of the best things they've taught me is that DIET is SUPER important for getting the CUT look. Do you get enough protein everyday? I try to get 1g per 1lb of my total body weight. I have noticed a definite improvement since I started to be cognizant of my diet. I'm sure the guys can tell you more.....

congrats on your gains thus far!!

 

[Large And In Charge]

Mifody

You need to decide, bro what you want to do then we can help you much better. If you want do drop the body fat, we can help you there but by doing so you might loose a little muscle in the process. On the other hand, if you want to pack more muscle on then we can also help but you will probably gain some fat too. Unfortunately it doesn't work both ways usually.

MtnBickerChick is right, Diet does play a huge role when it comes to cutting. At the same time, bump up your cardio and try to do it first thing in the morning. But you need to make the decission whether you want to cut down or bulk up.


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If you build it they will come

 

[Mifody]

well i guess it would be a good idea to loose some fat for summer.
at the beginning of this week i actually decided to start cutting. i've been eating a maintenance level of calories all week with about 1.5 grams of protein/lb a day. lifting 4 times a week. then in 2 days, monday, i will cut 200 cals a day for another week.. then another 200 the next week. i dont wanna loose much muscle so where would be a good point to start doing cardio? should i just start it up next week and cut lifting to 3 days.. so 3 days weights, 3 days cardio?
also would a fat burner be worthwhile? since they allow you to loose fat quicker does that mean you also loose more muscle or do they prevent muscle loss in some way?
and one more thing.. monday to friday i can eat and train fine, exactly as planned. theres no interuptions.. just work, eat, train. what happens when friends call you up friday and saturday night and wanna go out partying and stuff? how do i stick to a scheduled eating plan then? i didnt have to worry about this the past year. since i wasnt worried about loosing fat, some beers and fast food wasnt a problem.
any ideas?

thanks

 

[Scotty the Body]

It sounds like you know about diet, good cause thats the biggest part of the battle.

As far as the cardio goes, you can start it anytime, on your non lifting days is best, first thing in the morning on an empty stomic is best. Keep your cardio to around 30-40 min at your THR (target heart rate).

Fatburners are fine, I've used them off and on before, they will help aid in fat loss but won't stop you from burning muscle for energy. As long as you have a proper diet and are eating 5-7 meals a day, I wouldn't worry about loosing to much muscle.

And lastly, a cheat day is GOOD, it will not hurt your progress and will give you something to look forward to, JUST KEEP IT TO ONCE A WEEK THOUGH.

Good luck.

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Just another day in the gutter

 

[Scotty the Body]

Yup, its all about diet, I'm 30 now and have never seen my 6pk till last year when I got my diet figured out.

I'd suggest cutting a bit for the summer and then go back to bulking in the fall, its up to you.

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Just another day in the gutter