Calling all sciency people--turning fat into muscle?

valerieschram

I don't think "sciency" is a real word, but I know there are some people on MFP who really know their stuff. I have a question about strength training while in maintenance. I do not wish to lose any more weight, but I would like to have a lower bf%. Will strength training alone help me accomplish this, or do I need to be doing bulking and cutting cycles? I have read that you can only gain muscle if you are eating at a surplus, except for a few limited circumstances. Also, I know that strength training is great while you are losing weight because it can help you retain the muscle you have as you lose, so you can end up with a lower bf%. How exactly does strength training change your physique if you are eating at maintenance calories? Does it just make the muscles you do have more defined causing you to look better? Does it turn the fat you currently have into muscle? Is that even physiologically possible? I am currently doing the stronglifts 5 x 5 program, but I wonder if I need to doing bulking and cutting cycles as well to get the results I want.

rainbowbow

Once you have reached your desired weight you are free to eat at maintenance and continue lifting. You can definetly change body composition and lower body fat without necisarrily losing more weight.

I know there are a lot of "You should bulk/cut" "you shouldn't bulk/cut" stuff out there. I'll tell you what's worked for me-

I have been eating at maintenance, eating adequate amounts of protein, and lifting. I have maintained
My weight and gone from 21% to 17.8% body fat in the past few months.

I guess it all depends in your particular goal!

Edit:also, adjust as necisarry! Try it... See how it works for YOU, play with it until desired result is achieved.