Thoughts on cardio

Been cutting for almost 3 months now
At first my strength kept me going through the weight lifting and cardio exercises
Now as days goes by I am losing my strength and can barely maintain doing cardio 2-3 days a week
I am finally down to the last 10 pounds
But I am losing strength and it makes me upset, even struggling with the weights


Can I maintain my strength while cutting?

Is cardio essential for losing the last 10 pounds?

Hint: I am on a caloric deficit, intermittent fasting, low carb diet.

Replies

  • FunkyTobias
    FunkyTobias Posts: 1,776 Member
    Been cutting for almost 3 months now
    At first my strength kept me going through the weight lifting and cardio exercises
    Now as days goes by I am losing my strength and can barely maintain doing cardio 2-3 days a week
    I am finally down to the last 10 pounds
    But I am losing strength and it makes me upset, even struggling with the weights


    Can I maintain my strength while cutting?

    Is cardio essential for losing the last 10 pounds?

    Hint: I am on a caloric deficit, intermittent fasting, low carb diet.

    Not essential. Losing strength on a cut is normal.

    Lower volume and frequency, but maintain intensity (weight on the bar).
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    Keep eating less stay in your deficit, that's how you will loose the last 10 pounds, or any pounds for that matter.

    Loosing strength during weight loss/fat loss/cutting is completely normal.

    You can do some cardio and lift weights. You can do one or other, or both. Choose your poison.
  • StealthHealth
    StealthHealth Posts: 2,417 Member
    Before you do anything you must fix your problem with eating only 500 - 800 calories per day.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10340258/going-too-far#latest

    Fix that, give it 6 - 8 weeks eating at a very moderate deficit or even at maintenance then re-address your position versus your goals. IMHO Anything less is a compromise to your long term health.
  • FunkyTobias
    FunkyTobias Posts: 1,776 Member
    Been cutting for almost 3 months now
    At first my strength kept me going through the weight lifting and cardio exercises
    Now as days goes by I am losing my strength and can barely maintain doing cardio 2-3 days a week
    I am finally down to the last 10 pounds
    But I am losing strength and it makes me upset, even struggling with the weights


    Can I maintain my strength while cutting?

    Is cardio essential for losing the last 10 pounds?

    Hint: I am on a caloric deficit, intermittent fasting, low carb diet.

    Not essential. Losing strength on a cut is normal.

    Lower volume and frequency, but maintain intensity (weight on the bar).

    ETA

    After 3 months, a refeed or diet break may be in order.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    edited February 2016
    Tyler you posted this yesterday... What's up with that?

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/35563484#Comment_35563484
  • FunkyTobias
    FunkyTobias Posts: 1,776 Member
    Before you do anything you must fix your problem with eating only 500 - 800 calories per day.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10340258/going-too-far#latest

    Fix that, give it 6 - 8 weeks eating at a very moderate deficit or even at maintenance then re-address your position versus your goals. IMHO Anything less is a compromise to your long term health.

    I sincerely hope that was a typo and he really meant a 500-800 calorie deficit per day.

    If not, do this ^^^
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    edited February 2016
    Before you do anything you must fix your problem with eating only 500 - 800 calories per day.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10340258/going-too-far#latest

    Fix that, give it 6 - 8 weeks eating at a very moderate deficit or even at maintenance then re-address your position versus your goals. IMHO Anything less is a compromise to your long term health.

    I sincerely hope that was a typo and he really meant a 500-800 calorie deficit per day.

    If not, do this ^^^

    No it is not a typo and in the thread he is at 800 max calories. I don't get this dude..
  • FunkyTobias
    FunkyTobias Posts: 1,776 Member
    gia07 wrote: »
    Before you do anything you must fix your problem with eating only 500 - 800 calories per day.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10340258/going-too-far#latest

    Fix that, give it 6 - 8 weeks eating at a very moderate deficit or even at maintenance then re-address your position versus your goals. IMHO Anything less is a compromise to your long term health.

    I sincerely hope that was a typo and he really meant a 500-800 calorie deficit per day.

    If not, do this ^^^

    No it is not a typo and in the thread he is at 800 max calories. I don't get this dude..

    In that case

    OP you need to eat. Stat.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    edited February 2016
    gia07 wrote: »
    Before you do anything you must fix your problem with eating only 500 - 800 calories per day.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10340258/going-too-far#latest

    Fix that, give it 6 - 8 weeks eating at a very moderate deficit or even at maintenance then re-address your position versus your goals. IMHO Anything less is a compromise to your long term health.

    I sincerely hope that was a typo and he really meant a 500-800 calorie deficit per day.

    If not, do this ^^^

    No it is not a typo and in the thread he is at 800 max calories. I don't get this dude..

    In that case

    OP you need to eat. Stat.

    Both of these thread mentioned here were shut down by the moderators for: 3. No Promotion of Unsafe Weight-Loss Techniques or Eating Disorders.
  • chandanista
    chandanista Posts: 986 Member
    If I were a healthy young man with only 10 pounds remaining to goal and feeling weak from lack of food, my cardio would be walking to a burger joint today, eating, and then I'd be lifting tomorrow. Followed by more food.
  • gia07 wrote: »
    Before you do anything you must fix your problem with eating only 500 - 800 calories per day.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10340258/going-too-far#latest

    Fix that, give it 6 - 8 weeks eating at a very moderate deficit or even at maintenance then re-address your position versus your goals. IMHO Anything less is a compromise to your long term health.

    I sincerely hope that was a typo and he really meant a 500-800 calorie deficit per day.

    If not, do this ^^^

    No it is not a typo and in the thread he is at 800 max calories. I don't get this dude..

    it's true, I am very low on carbs, how else would I get to that 8% body fat?
    I have 4 hour eating window from 12 to 4
    I don't starve or even feel like eating, green tea and water helps a lot
    it's just that yes it's affecting me physically and mentally but I am kind of addicted to it because I have got all kinds of results so far
    I am just pushing for the extra mile "thinking" that it's hard but it's the best way for me
    worked so far

  • BruinsGal_91
    BruinsGal_91 Posts: 1,400 Member
    gia07 wrote: »
    Before you do anything you must fix your problem with eating only 500 - 800 calories per day.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10340258/going-too-far#latest

    Fix that, give it 6 - 8 weeks eating at a very moderate deficit or even at maintenance then re-address your position versus your goals. IMHO Anything less is a compromise to your long term health.

    I sincerely hope that was a typo and he really meant a 500-800 calorie deficit per day.

    If not, do this ^^^

    No it is not a typo and in the thread he is at 800 max calories. I don't get this dude..

    it's true, I am very low on carbs, how else would I get to that 8% body fat?
    I have 4 hour eating window from 12 to 4
    I don't starve or even feel like eating, green tea and water helps a lot
    it's just that yes it's affecting me physically and mentally but I am kind of addicted to it because I have got all kinds of results so far
    I am just pushing for the extra mile "thinking" that it's hard but it's the best way for me
    worked so far

    No. No it hasn't.
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    If you can't eat more than that, you need a shrink, not a message board.
  • StealthHealth
    StealthHealth Posts: 2,417 Member
    Tyler - everyone who reads your posts and get and understanding of the full picture - that you are eating between 500 and 800 cals per day - gives you the same advice: EAT MORE. Listen to them.

    If you continue as you are you are in danger of seriously damaging your health.
  • Tyler - everyone who reads your posts and get and understanding of the full picture - that you are eating between 500 and 800 cals per day - gives you the same advice: EAT MORE. Listen to them.

    If you continue as you are you are in danger of seriously damaging your health.

    I do get that, but as i mentioned it's a mental fear now, not even about dieting

    I am paranoid, i count macros, if I ate more than I should I get really upset, even if it was extra 200 cal or less

    Keep In mind that I did bulking and cutting A LOT, but this time, I don't really know, it's like 10 pounds left so why stop now? Or this is what my mentality tells me
    Our body and metabolism is different, I see so much ignorance in the comment section, but you make sense

    I hope you realise what I meant


    thanks for the advice !
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    At that caloric intake you will be losing a lot of muscle, no wonder your strength is failing.

    Not to mention you can get to 8% bf% with carbs, low carb does not lead to fat loss, a caloric deficit does. I would suggest setting your goal to lose 0.5lbs/week or do TDEE - 10-15% max. Get enough protein 120+ grams and give it time.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    I think you need help.

    Also, having no energy and no strength is typically a pretty good indication that you're not eating enough... just saying.
  • ilex70
    ilex70 Posts: 727 Member
    OP you don't have to abandon all carbs to get lean. And I get that you are in a head space where you have been seeing success toward a goal (number on the scale) so it is hard to quit.

    So why this particular number? If you have been bulking and cutting for awhile I'm sure you have a reason in mind that makes sense to you.

    And if you can be open to the possibility that carbs aren't the devil here is a trainer that is easy to contact and is pro carbs. Frankly he eats more than I would ever want to, or think I could any how.

    https://facebook.com/JamesWilsonFaithFamFit/timeline
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Been cutting for almost 3 months now
    At first my strength kept me going through the weight lifting and cardio exercises
    Now as days goes by I am losing my strength and can barely maintain doing cardio 2-3 days a week
    I am finally down to the last 10 pounds
    But I am losing strength and it makes me upset, even struggling with the weights

    Can I maintain my strength while cutting?

    Is cardio essential for losing the last 10 pounds?

    Hint: I am on a caloric deficit, intermittent fasting, low carb diet.

    You're losing your strength because you are not fueling your body properly. Eat more.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,972 Member
    Bro, I got to 7% body fat (competition for bodybuilding) by still eating 1500 calories a day. I did low carb, but I didn't need to starve with the exception of the last 3 days before the comp.
    Strength will drop as well as you'll normally feel fatigued, but understand this: results will be temporary if you can't eat more than you're eating now.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png
  • Talan79
    Talan79 Posts: 782 Member
    Tyler, you don't need extreme measures to get to 8%. It can be done in a healthy controlled way.
    Have you read anything by Michael Matthews? He gets to 8% on his cuts. He is shredded.
    www.muscleforlife. Lots of good articles. He also writes books.