Plan for getting back to the gym

mreichard

I'm a 50 year old male, about 6'3" and 200 pounds. I am currently about 20% body fat. I've been out of the gym since about January. I'm looking to start lifting again and to lose some weight.

My primary goal is to be stronger, and I guess I'd also like to look stronger.

Based on advice I've gotten previously about when your body adds muscle mass versus fat, I plan to lift but focus mainly on getting down to about 12% body fat before switching my focus to adding strength and mass.

I've read on running forums that guys over 40 should be careful getting below about 15% body fat, but I don't recall seeing a good reason for that, and I think there are plenty of people close to my age on here who have low body fat, so I figure it's probably fine.

Does anyone see issues with this plan?

DX2JX2

12% is unnecessary. At 6'3" 200 pounds you're not too far off where you need to be. Just start lifting. Maybe run a slight calorie deficit (without compromising muscle growth) to gradually lose a little fat.