Losing weight but gaining bulk, is this possible??

PatrickDuffy
PatrickDuffy Posts: 5 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I don't wanna be no Arnie Schwarzenegger but I wanna bulk up whilst losing some unwanted fat... any advice??

Replies

  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    How much weight to lose?

    Look into recomp (lose fat/build muscle whist maintaining 'weight'). If you still have a bit of weight to lose concentrate on losing weight and then move to recomp. OR when you reach weight goal you can consider bulk/cut cycles (lean bulk 250 cals over maintenance)
  • cs2thecox
    cs2thecox Posts: 533 Member
    Just losing fat while following a decent lifting programme can make you look like you've bulked up anyway, as your muscles get more visible.
    If you haven't lifted before, there'll be some newbie gains as well!

    You can do this pretty well while only in a slight calorie deficit if you don't have huge amounts of weight to lose (it's what I did, but I'm a girl...), but you do get best results from following a decent lifting programme. Have a look here for ideas:
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    I have a male friend who wanted to reduce his body fat, but did it through diet and cardio only, then realised he was scrawny underneath and hated how he looked. He's now having to deal with lots of bulk and cut cycles to get the look he wants, and wishes he hadn't waited until goal weight to start lifting. Anecdotal at best, but I always think it's better to start lifting sooner rather than later... good for bone density if nothing else!
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    If you are new to lifting and have a lot to lose you can gain some muscle. If you don't have a lot to lose and have been lifting for a while, the best you can hope for is maintaining the muscle you already have while losing weight (fat). This can be done by getting adequate protein (0.8grams per lb of goal weight is a good number to aim for), and participate in a progressive overload strength training routine.

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