What is my goal when lifting while cutting?

[Mike Tuvre USA]

Should I lift as heavy as possible as I lose weight so that I maintain my current muscle mass? Does it serve no other purpose? What if I cut/diet for 3-4 months? That is a long time to have unproductive lifting, no? I find that when I am dieting down. I actually lose a bit of strength. Is this a sign that I have lost muscle? Is not losing strength while cutting a sign that I have lost no muscle? I have never gone up in my lifts while cutting so I guess I can't build muscle while dieting, no? Maintaining my current mass and seeing all 6 cans is my goal for June. Thanks.

 

[CowPimp]

Why don't you just frequently measure you weight and body fat so that you can actually determine whether or not you are losing muscle mass as opposed to guessing based on other indicators?

Also, yes, you should continue to lift pretty heavy. Generally, what builds muscles also helps maintain the mass that you do have. Pay attention to your rate of weight loss and try to make sure that your diet is in order to minimize losses.

 

[The13ig13adWolf]

how low are your calories when you're cutting? what makes you say your training is not productive? you should absolutely continue to lift heavy. you can still make strength gains/progress on submaintenance calories if your program is set up correctly.