What next? Help please

Wonderob

Ok I am just coming to the end of a vigorous program of calorie deficit, high intensity cardio and weight lifting. I am not too far from a decent weight for my height.

This is where I usually come unstuck! What do I do next!

Here's my choices

1) I up my calories/reduce the cardio to a maintenance level and continue to weight train in the knowlledge that I won't be gaining muscle no matter how hard/heavy I try to lift - but won't increase fat either

2) I up my calories/reduce the cardio to a level above maintenance in an attempt to gain muscle - with the fear that I put on too much fat along with any extra muscle

3) I continue as I am doing now to reduce fat further whilst maintaining as much muscle as possible

My goal is no more specific than 'to have as good a body as possible'
I'm conscious that at 47 I'm fighting against the decreased muscle mass that age brings!!!

Any advice welcomed!

Wonderob

I think I need to accept that I'm going to struggle to get replies to a much needed question on MFP whilst a thread along the lines of 'what shape butt cheeks do you like.' is likely to get hundreds!

Wonderob

Anyone? Could do with some advice

Maurice1966

Go to calorie maintenance and intersperse your cardio with 3 days of weight lifting per week. At 46 I AM getting the body i should have had in my 20s. It is possible to build and maintain muscle no matter what your age.

I'm eating 2000-2500 calories per day. Still not at my ideal but no one's getting in my way.

Add me if you like. I have some other friends who will inspire you.

Wonderob

Thanks Maurice. Yeah I do lifting three days a week but I'm so conscious that the experts on here have made it clear that I will no way gain muscle mass with a calorie deficit. So even at maintenance level I kinda think, is that pain and sweat and HARD work lifting worth it just to maintain my current muscle mass?