2nd time cutting (experienced answers only please)

Amadbro
Amadbro Posts: 750 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
so first a little backround on me:

I started mid Feb 2013 at 221lbs 30%BF, I cut to 160lbs 12%BF from Feb-July and started my first bulk Aug 1, 2013. Since this time I've put on some real quality mass. I currently work an intermediate level 4 day upper, lower push/pull split with incorporated compounds and have had awesome results with strength and progression throughout my bulk.

I will be starting my 2nd cut Feb 1, 2014 with the hopes of jumping on stage in either late 2014 or early 2015. My question is, after your bulk is over and you start a new cutting phase do you lift only to maintain your current lifts/strength or are you still attempting to increase progressive overload throughout?

Replies

  • Ian_Stuart
    Ian_Stuart Posts: 252 Member
    My experience is that you can still attempt to add strength for the first little bit to take advantage of the carryover energy from the bulk, but once the fat starts to come off you simply won't have the excess energy to keep making gains and may even drop a little. The goal is simply to lose as little strength as possible while maintaining your deficit and not get overly frustrated because your numbers aren't as awesome as they were.
  • Amadbro
    Amadbro Posts: 750 Member
    My experience is that you can still attempt to add strength for the first little bit to take advantage of the carryover energy from the bulk, but once the fat starts to come off you simply won't have the excess energy to keep making gains and may even drop a little. The goal is simply to lose as little strength as possible while maintaining your deficit and not get overly frustrated because your numbers aren't as awesome as they were.

    Just what I was looking for thanks. I know I'll lose some LBM and def plan on keeping at a minimum. Going to cut slow and start at a really small deficit to avoid any unwarranted catabolism.
  • Ian_Stuart
    Ian_Stuart Posts: 252 Member
    Pre- workout BCAA's seem to help with catabolism. What is your eating schedule like? A Leangains style intermittent fast is supposed to help with exactly what you are looking to do, so you might look into that. I do leangains just because it helps me hit my calorie goals, but for you the macronutrient timing and workout schedule might be more important than the 16 hour fasted window.
  • Amadbro
    Amadbro Posts: 750 Member
    One step ahead of you brother..Ive been eating LG style for the last 8 months with a standard 16/8 window. Used it through my cut and this bulk :D I also supplement with BCAAs pre..you can look at my diary if you want. Meal pwo and meal 1 are both PWO
  • Ian_Stuart
    Ian_Stuart Posts: 252 Member
    Awesome! I've been doing it for about that long also, although my work schedule has been messing with my feeding schedule lately! Sounds like you are already way up the curve! Be sure to make a post about you competition!
  • Amadbro
    Amadbro Posts: 750 Member
    Awesome! I've been doing it for about that long also, although my work schedule has been messing with my feeding schedule lately! Sounds like you are already way up the curve! Be sure to make a post about you competition!

    I'll post pics here for sure when I do. It's just a matter of getting there. If not in 2014 then 2015 I'll def be ready as long as I don't get hurt or anything. I got a good woman behind me that helps me alot. So that makes it all that much better/easier.
  • Crazy4Healthy
    Crazy4Healthy Posts: 626 Member
    Great information, currently bulking and was wondering the same thing. I'm loving the extra energy and gains. Have to admit, not looking forward to the cut at this point, still have a few more months to go. Thanks. :)

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