exercise suggestions while on a cut

[BulkMeUp]

This is my very first cut which will commence in the next few weeks and i'm looking for exercise suggetions. My diet is being beaten into shape here : http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/showthread.php?t=35035

Presently i do a upper/lower split 2x/week . This workout is slightly modified from the 'body-for-life' program.

Upper:
1) close grip DB chest presses + flyes
2) reverse grip Pulldowns + wide grip pulldowns
3) Close grip push downs + tricep extensions (i think thats what it is called)
4) dumbell curls + hammer curls
5) side raises
1-4 = 12, 10, 8, 6 ,12 + 12
5 = 12 ,12

Lower:
1) squats
2) leg presses + leg extensions
3) Ham curls (lying down) + standing ham curls
4) seated claves + standing calves
5) Lunges
1 = 10,10,10
2-4 = 12, 10, 8, 6 ,12 + 12
5 = 10, 10, 10

in addition i do 1set forward crunches (35reps), 1 set lat crunches (35reps) and 1 set leg raises (12reps) 4x/week.

I will be throwing in some HIIT 3-4x/week.

Would appreciate some advice on my routine as well as :
1)Do i continue the same routine while on a cut or do i reduce the reps or increase??
2)is it recommended to do a different set of exercises during a cut to prevent boredom as i hv been doing this on my bulk for the past 6 months.
3)Sould i keep trying to increase the weights or simply do a maintanence type schedule???
4)any exercise suggestions/routines are welcome.



Thanks

 

[P-funk]

Looks like you have a good program layed out. Dont change your reps. Even when dieting it is important to push heavy weight and go for lower reps (6 sometimes even 4) as it is great for CNS stimulation amongst other things.

 

[BulkMeUp]

Thanks p-funk.. one more question i just thought of.
I know this topic has been debated to death, but is it suggested to continue creatine on a cut? i hv been doing 1tsp (5g) for the past 6months.

 

[P-funk]

I usually start my diets with creatine. You will be holding some water but it's all good. it will give you some extra help in the weight room. After a few weeks in I usually stop using it, when I really want to see how lean I am. If I am dieting for 12 weeks I will stop using it after about the 4th or 5th week of dieting.

 

[BulkMeUp]

Thanks again.
So on a 12 week diet, when u stop after the 4-5th week, do u resume after u have determined how lean u r or do u resume after the 12 weeks are done?
and if u r not trying to check on how lean u r do u simply keep going until u decide to check ur leanness??

 

[P-funk]

What are your goals?? I mean, if you are training for a contest I would drop the creatine to get rid of water, even though some compeitors load one week out to "fill up
before the show. I just stop taking it all together and don't start taking it again until I am ready to bulk up.

 

[BulkMeUp]

I'm not training for any contest.. just for myself as i got tired of being skinny and decided to get serious at the gym/diet thing instead of it being an on/off thing

This bulk cycle started on 22feb at 155/26%bf (inaccurate as per those bf scales), presently am 175/26%bf, by end of this month i hope to be 180/26%bf. height 6ft.

I decided i should go on a cut at this point, down to about 10-12%bf and then resume bulking. My present EVENTUAL FINAL goal would be 180-190/10-15%bf and i would be happy.. Am not aiming for the 'fitness model' look (lean and super ripped) but the beefy bodybuilder (but decently ripped - 10% would suit me just fine).... but i hv a looong way to go and appreciate any advice.

p.s creatine is the only supp i am doing.

 

[P-funk]

so just keep doing the vreatine if you want. it is up to you really.