Guys with shredded abs:

mikek333

I too am a guy who would like shredded abs, and a generally muscular but not huge physique. I am 5'8.5". Since January I went from 185 to 158. I know I lost some muscle along with the fat. I think I should weigh 150lbs. My strategy is to really watch my calories to stay withing MFP limits, do some cardio, but mostly lifting (10 rep sets, free weights and machines). About 3 sets per muscle group, all muscle groups per week.

My questions are: should I ditch the scale because I really just want very tone abs and more muscle, not necessarily a goal weight? Should I still watch my calories? Is my strategy sound? Any help is appreciated.

Lift_hard_eat_big

My suggestion is to look into stronglifts 5x5 training regimen. Gain some serious strength, muscle will follow. I know several guys that were fresh to weight training, gains muscle and shred body fat while doing stronglifts 5x5 even the Madcow regimen. Do a bulk, then shred later after you've put on a good amount of muscle. Rinse and repeat until you're content with your physique. If you're goal isn't necessarily a weight, then there is no point in using a scale, since a scale is a tool to measure weight. Use the mirror and photos instead to gauge your progress.

mikek333

Thanks for the advise. I started stronglifts 5x5 today. I think I will keep weighing in: if I am lifting heavy and my weight stays the same, I must be building muscle and burning fat, right?