View Full Version : Bulking and cutting
A comment made in a journal got me to thinking. Some ppl fall off the wagon and then feel like they are moving backwards to get to where they feel the were already once before and then hopefully move on from there. It's unfortunate but it happens to many of us.
Competitors bulk and cut on a regular basis to add some quality muscle in their off season and therefore adding some dreaded body fat they have to work just as hard to take off. I realize that although a controlled bulk is a little different then just putting on fat but psychologically it's tough too on competitors that are used to being lean.
I'm told every time you lean out you get a little leaner and that's why competitors improve with age. I also think it's because every time you add more muscle it enables you to become leaner as muscle burns more then fat.
Does it every stop working? I know both for the average person trying to lose weight and a competitor trying to take off those extra lbs of fat it probably crosses their mind.
What if it doesn't come off this time?
How do you feel about this? Any advice for ppl who repeat the cycle, who feel this time it just won't come off?
Blondell
11-14-2007, 01:27 PM
I'm in that place right now. It's not so much that I think it won't come off, I just notice that I have to be more strict about it. Maybe it's b/c I am getting a bit older, but this sucks! :lol:
What if it doesn't come off this time?
This is something, I never once thought of.
Maybe it's b/c I am getting a bit older
:unsure:
I'm of the opinion that if you did it once you can do it again. I do know someone that competed, rebounded and insists she can't take the fat off.
I know many ppl who worry that it won't come off. For me I don't worry because I"m not a chronic over trainer, I don't do so much cardio that my body keeps needing more. In other words I"m lazy. I do nothing and gain, I diet and train do some cardio and lose.
Just looking for some input from others and perhaps some words of advice from ppl who are experienced at gaining and losing.
Cindy Day
11-14-2007, 02:26 PM
Disregarding any true medical conditions--fat is fat and it can come off ever time. I think it being 'harder' or 'longer' to come off is a mix of perception, age, hormones (thyroid and other), and the fact that newbie gains/losses are a one-time honeymoon phase. Once you've dieted down properly with this lifestyle you can never turn back the clock and get the same speed/ease of results you got that very first time.
Overall though, just about anyone can lose it albeit may have lost the drive to do so.
Interesting Cindy, so you say after the first time it can be harder to lose?
For me it's made really no difference. I lose about 1lb a week. I've heard it said it's easier everytime and you tend to get leaner every time.
lawgrrrl
11-14-2007, 02:55 PM
This is something, I never once thought of.
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Cass again.
Cindy Day
11-14-2007, 03:02 PM
Interesting Cindy, so you say after the first time it can be harder to lose?
For me it's made really no difference. I lose about 1lb a week. I've heard it said it's easier everytime and you tend to get leaner every time.
Not harder, but you won't get the same response.
kelster
11-14-2007, 03:44 PM
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Cass again.
:ditto:
awesome babe - just awesome!!!!!!
I'm told every time you lean out you get a little leaner and that's why competitors improve with age.
I think this is somewhat true up to a point.
I also think it's because every time you add more muscle it enables you to become leaner as muscle burns more then fat.
Not significantly so. Adding muscle doesn't jack up metabolism like many think it does.
Adipose - 4.5 kcal/kg/day
Muscle - 13 kcal/kg/day
That's what each of those tissues 'burns' per day.
For muscle, that amounts to about 6 calories extra per pound of muscle. Not so significant.
Erik in your years of experience have you ever seen a client struggle to lose bf provided everything is "on" and they are following a bf loss regimen?
Erik in your years of experience have you ever seen a client struggle to lose bf provided everything is "on" and they are following a bf loss regimen?
Yes
Yes
Ok what do you attribute this too? Barring any medical conditions.
Ok what do you attribute this too? Barring any medical conditions.
A medical condition. :lol: (thyroid issues, or other hormonal issues)
Assuming even a reasonably healthy metabolism, if the diet is not dumb - that is, it meets the basic requirements of creating a significant, but not too significant caloric deficit, and meets protein and omega-3 fat needs, fat loss should be the result.
Oh, that assumes the person is actually following their diet and not just thinking they're following it 'close enough'.
Blondell
11-14-2007, 05:29 PM
Do you ever suggest that clients get their levels tested when you run by cases like that, Erik?
Do you ever suggest that clients get their levels tested when you run by cases like that, Erik?
Thyroid you mean?
Yes, definitely.
The problem is that most run into a brick wall when they ask for the right tests and then they have to figure out where to go to get them if their doctor won't comply.
The commonly used TSH/Total T4 really doesn't tell you what's happening downstream where things really matter.
Blondell
11-14-2007, 05:33 PM
I've wondered about it myself in the past when following your plans. I NEVER think that I lose fast enough though. :oops: :lol3:
I've wondered about it myself in the past when following your plans. I NEVER think that I lose fast enough though. :oops: :lol3:
That's because you think that contest prep should only last one week.
And you PSMF too much. :ban:
Blondell
11-14-2007, 05:38 PM
I haven't PSMF'd in a while. I'm doing darned good.
That's not to say that I haven't been tempted though. :lol:
Cindy Day
11-14-2007, 08:22 PM
I think *fast enough* is relavent. One shouldn't expect more than a lb or 2 a week. Also, a measuring tape and mirror (or objective friend/coach etc.) can be used as we all know the scale doesn't tell the entire story.
When I am talking body fat I never lose 'fast enough'. :piggie: I could lose 5 lbs in one week and not think it's fast enough (when there is many more to go). :lol:
I think *fast enough* is relavent. One shouldn't expect more than a lb or 2 a week. Also, a measuring tape and mirror (or objective friend/coach etc.) can be used as we all know the scale doesn't tell the entire story.
When I am talking body fat I never lose 'fast enough'. :piggie: I could lose 5 lbs in one week and not think it's fast enough (when there is many more to go). :lol:
Werd :hearts:
jlb001
11-14-2007, 10:11 PM
Thyroid you mean?
Yes, definitely.
The problem is that most run into a brick wall when they ask for the right tests and then they have to figure out where to go to get them if their doctor won't comply.
The commonly used TSH/Total T4 really doesn't tell you what's happening downstream where things really matter.
BIG TIME agree with. My struggles this year were due to my thyroid.
Patyal
11-14-2007, 11:01 PM
My last struggle was hormonal related. It was a very frustrating experience, both mentally and phisically :dry:
flyfitgal
11-20-2007, 02:44 AM
So what tests should you have done? Is there a specific type of Dr one should go to?
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