Recomposition: Maintaining weight while losing fat

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Replies

  • ElizabethKalmbach
    ElizabethKalmbach Posts: 1,415 Member
    xcalygrl wrote: »
    blueyellowhorse: Do you have any idea what your body fat percentage is? I believe the recommended body fat percentages were mentioned earlier in the thread (25%? ish). I'm 5'5 and 153 lbs. and I'm guessing 24-26% body fat and starting my recomp now. I'm having a bodpod assessment done in a day or two to get a closer check on my "starting" numbers.

    I think I'm at 27%, well maybe 26%. I'm not sure, I think it's higher than that though. :#

    The good thing about a recomp is that there is no specific BF% you need to be at to start. The "rule" is to be a healthy weight. BF% doesn't impact a recomp the way it does when you do a bulk. If you're happy at your body weight, then start lifting heavy and eating at maintenance to recomp your body.

    Yes. I'm very sorry, I didn't intend to imply that you can't start recomping WHEREVER you want in your journey. I was just so pleased with my own reading comprehension (and it was like... 2:30 in the morning) that I wanted to share what I'd remembered reading. I have recomped at other weights/bf% by accident. I am recomping on purpose at around 25% on purpose this time for aesthetics - and I assume you are too, blueyellowhorse?
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    senecarr wrote: »
    jimmmer wrote: »
    usmcmp wrote: »
    SuggaD wrote: »
    usmcmp wrote: »
    SuggaD wrote: »
    I am totally not following any particular program right now and haven't really studied the science. What is working for me right now is sticking with my tri coach's workouts (tri specific challenging cardio) and hitting the weight room hard 3x per week (machines only), progressively increasing my weights, and eating what I want (lots of carbs...needed for activity level, and sufficient protein, adequate fats). I am really happy with my progress so far and think this is the permanent way forward for me. Cutting was too hard!

    Doing machines only means you are missing out on the stabilization requirements of free weights. Using machines also means less motor unit recruitment (less bang for your buck).

    Yeah, yeah, so folks on here keep telling me. But that's ok, I like the machines and am getting great results. More than 1 way to skin a cat.

    You're right that there is more than one way to skin a cat. There is no down side to moving from machines to free weights.
    How about massive scars and muscle damage on your abdomen that make stabilizing your core for squats much more painful than leg press and hack squat machines?

    This is an extreme example.

    For most people who don't have a pre-existing condition/injury her post is correct.

    If you have a medical reason why you have to use a machine - use a machine. Doesn't have to be a bunch of emotion attached to it. It's just training, not religion...


    @jimmmer

    I wasn't the one preaching about free weights to someone who appeared happy and successful with machines.

    ETA: And it doesn't take extreme examples. Maybe someone's at a gym without a squat rack and isn't comfortable squatting without one. Or someone doesn't want to deal with finding a spotter or possibly rolling weights off his body when using barbells.

    Yeah, free weights have advantages for people who want to use them. That doesn't mean everyone wants to use them and if it makes her less likely to lift, that's a downside to free weights. Heck, I use them for almost everything, but using machines is better than using nothing if that's what the person is comfortable with.

    Seem to recall usmcmp saying she's previously broken a hip, tore her ACL, but still squats.
    So exactly how is she being preachy? She's listed nothing but facts to support a method that might help the person save time and improve performance if adopted. The personal already said it is personal preference; if it was prescribed by some kind of physical therapy, I think they'd have said so already.
    @senecarr

    When someone writes, "Yeah, yeah, so folks on here keep telling me. But that's ok, I like the machines and am getting great results. More than 1 way to skin a cat." but you keep pressing, no pun intended, free weights, it comes off as preachy to me. If it doesn't to you, that's fine.

    She followed up once after that with a strong analogy.
    If it doesn't to you, that's fine.

    I get that she's probably uncomfortable with the idea of free weights. I understand there are situations where squatting or benching are going to be tougher with free weights. I also know that she's missing out by not doing any sort of free weights. I wasn't going to "preach" any further to her. If she's satisfied with what she's doing that's fine, but I refuse to sit back and not say anything about the benefits of free weights over machines.
  • LolBroScience
    LolBroScience Posts: 4,537 Member
    senecarr wrote: »
    jimmmer wrote: »
    usmcmp wrote: »
    SuggaD wrote: »
    usmcmp wrote: »
    SuggaD wrote: »
    I am totally not following any particular program right now and haven't really studied the science. What is working for me right now is sticking with my tri coach's workouts (tri specific challenging cardio) and hitting the weight room hard 3x per week (machines only), progressively increasing my weights, and eating what I want (lots of carbs...needed for activity level, and sufficient protein, adequate fats). I am really happy with my progress so far and think this is the permanent way forward for me. Cutting was too hard!

    Doing machines only means you are missing out on the stabilization requirements of free weights. Using machines also means less motor unit recruitment (less bang for your buck).

    Yeah, yeah, so folks on here keep telling me. But that's ok, I like the machines and am getting great results. More than 1 way to skin a cat.

    You're right that there is more than one way to skin a cat. There is no down side to moving from machines to free weights.
    How about massive scars and muscle damage on your abdomen that make stabilizing your core for squats much more painful than leg press and hack squat machines?

    This is an extreme example.

    For most people who don't have a pre-existing condition/injury her post is correct.

    If you have a medical reason why you have to use a machine - use a machine. Doesn't have to be a bunch of emotion attached to it. It's just training, not religion...


    @jimmmer

    I wasn't the one preaching about free weights to someone who appeared happy and successful with machines.

    ETA: And it doesn't take extreme examples. Maybe someone's at a gym without a squat rack and isn't comfortable squatting without one. Or someone doesn't want to deal with finding a spotter or possibly rolling weights off his body when using barbells.

    Yeah, free weights have advantages for people who want to use them. That doesn't mean everyone wants to use them and if it makes her less likely to lift, that's a downside to free weights. Heck, I use them for almost everything, but using machines is better than using nothing if that's what the person is comfortable with.

    Seem to recall usmcmp saying she's previously broken a hip, tore her ACL, but still squats.
    So exactly how is she being preachy? She's listed nothing but facts to support a method that might help the person save time and improve performance if adopted. The personal already said it is personal preference; if it was prescribed by some kind of physical therapy, I think they'd have said so already.
    @senecarr

    When someone writes, "Yeah, yeah, so folks on here keep telling me. But that's ok, I like the machines and am getting great results. More than 1 way to skin a cat." but you keep pressing, no pun intended, free weights, it comes off as preachy to me. If it doesn't to you, that's fine.

    She followed up once after that with a strong analogy.
    If it doesn't to you, that's fine.

    If it does to you, that's fine.
  • skysiebaby
    skysiebaby Posts: 88 Member
    Learned loads reading all this, thanks guys.
  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    usmcmp wrote: »
    Feel free to share stories of recomposition and any research you have seen on it. Ask questions if you have any.

    I've gone both ways for various sports performance and/or physique reasons. Here is my experience.

    Few years back, dropped down to 190 then bulked up towards 197lbs with heavier lifting and HIIT. My ultimate goal had been weight loss, dropping from over 220lbs, but I wanted to fill in a bit. Of course, in the last year I went back up while enjoying a very holly jolly holiday season, but I wanted to focus more on weight loss for knee health and agility for sports instead of any bulk, so I dropped back down to around 190lbs, which I could really feel the difference on the tennis court.

    Anyway, here is the difference. To me, I can see it visually that I was carrying less fat at 197lbs while building than I do now at 192lbs during conditioning. I move better though now at 192lbs than I did at 197lbs, and I really hadn't expected to feel a simple +/- 5 lbs difference, but my knees CERTAINLY know.

    Ultimate goal this year is drop another 10 lbs and keep my focus on conditioning and agility, though many would think the bulk/building look and physique is better. That just is not my goal at this point.

    6749tawjgvmc.png





  • mattyc772014
    mattyc772014 Posts: 3,543 Member
    @Chaelaz Great job! Proof positive. Thanks for sharing. Best of luck on your next goal.
  • terar21
    terar21 Posts: 523 Member
    I thought I'd give a post to share my experience so far with recomp. I've been at it for about 3 months now. The first month I started wasn't a "I want to recomp" as much as it was "I'm traveling most of the month so I'm going to eat at maintenance." Maintenance was so enjoying I just decided to stick with it. My training didn't change from when I was in a deficit to maintenance.

    For the most part, I follow Strong Curves (the advanced program in the book). This is my second time going through it. It works and I love how it's set up so I see no need to change. I DO make slight adjustments according to my goals. For example, instead of following the 3x8-12 for bench, I switched to a 5x5 because I'd really like to focus on increasing my bench strength rather than focusing on chest muscle growth. I lowered rep ranges on conventional deadlift as well (the program doesn't include conventional...just RDL and American but I subbed 4 weeks of RDL to do a round of conventional). For those that aren't familiar with Strong Curves, it's a full body program 3 days a week. It's a progressive program as well.

    In addition to the 3 days of strength training, I also run 3 days a week and occasionally swim once a week when I have the time. I started biking a couple month back but it was just WAY too much and I saw a significant decrease in energy and strength. Strength training is the priority for me right now so I dropped the biking and only swim when the mood calls. I'd like to do a sprint tri but I think that's really a year down the line at this point with lifting being the priority. I got somewhat passionate about running...until the heat hit...so my reason for running is purely increased calories because I'm only 5'2" and work a desk job so I need the cardio calories to eat the way I want to eat.

    I started at 118 pounds. Still 118.

    My eating habits are pretty consistent. I do take my calories with a grain of salt because I LOVE to eat out for dinner. However, I'm pretty consistent with the places I eat so the logging is consistent. My daily average is around 1900 to 2100. Because of the eating out estimating, it could be higher...I really don't know. As long as the scale is good week to week, I'm happy. The 1900 typically comes on a cardio day and the 2100 typically comes on a lifting day. I lift in the mornings so I always feel better with a little extra food in me for the day. At this point, a slight surplus isn't going to hurt me since I want these muscles to grow anyway. If I see the scale jump, it's typically always sodium bombs from sushi and mexican. I do a little more protein that you really need and higher fat just because my favorite foods are fatty (avocados and oils + fatty meats). It's my carbs I have to worry about getting.

    Same weight but I've lost inches.
    - Half inch of the hips
    - Inch off the thighs
    - I measure my waist at my natural waist and right below my belly button since I hold weight there...inch off that belly button area
    - Half inch off the butt

    I wish I measured arms but the change in visible definition is very clear. Visible upper abs are starting to show though (non-existent before), and visible definition in quads are coming through as well.

    Recomp is a bit of a pit stop for me because I didn't want to bulk over summer. I plan to start a bulk in September. But recomp has been wonderful!
  • DeguelloTex
    DeguelloTex Posts: 6,652 Member
    terar21 wrote: »
    I thought I'd give a post to share my experience so far with recomp. I've been at it for about 3 months now. The first month I started wasn't a "I want to recomp" as much as it was "I'm traveling most of the month so I'm going to eat at maintenance." Maintenance was so enjoying I just decided to stick with it. My training didn't change from when I was in a deficit to maintenance.

    For the most part, I follow Strong Curves (the advanced program in the book). This is my second time going through it. It works and I love how it's set up so I see no need to change. I DO make slight adjustments according to my goals. For example, instead of following the 3x8-12 for bench, I switched to a 5x5 because I'd really like to focus on increasing my bench strength rather than focusing on chest muscle growth. I lowered rep ranges on conventional deadlift as well (the program doesn't include conventional...just RDL and American but I subbed 4 weeks of RDL to do a round of conventional). For those that aren't familiar with Strong Curves, it's a full body program 3 days a week. It's a progressive program as well.

    In addition to the 3 days of strength training, I also run 3 days a week and occasionally swim once a week when I have the time. I started biking a couple month back but it was just WAY too much and I saw a significant decrease in energy and strength. Strength training is the priority for me right now so I dropped the biking and only swim when the mood calls. I'd like to do a sprint tri but I think that's really a year down the line at this point with lifting being the priority. I got somewhat passionate about running...until the heat hit...so my reason for running is purely increased calories because I'm only 5'2" and work a desk job so I need the cardio calories to eat the way I want to eat.

    I started at 118 pounds. Still 118.

    My eating habits are pretty consistent. I do take my calories with a grain of salt because I LOVE to eat out for dinner. However, I'm pretty consistent with the places I eat so the logging is consistent. My daily average is around 1900 to 2100. Because of the eating out estimating, it could be higher...I really don't know. As long as the scale is good week to week, I'm happy. The 1900 typically comes on a cardio day and the 2100 typically comes on a lifting day. I lift in the mornings so I always feel better with a little extra food in me for the day. At this point, a slight surplus isn't going to hurt me since I want these muscles to grow anyway. If I see the scale jump, it's typically always sodium bombs from sushi and mexican. I do a little more protein that you really need and higher fat just because my favorite foods are fatty (avocados and oils + fatty meats). It's my carbs I have to worry about getting.

    Same weight but I've lost inches.
    - Half inch of the hips
    - Inch off the thighs
    - I measure my waist at my natural waist and right below my belly button since I hold weight there...inch off that belly button area
    - Half inch off the butt

    I wish I measured arms but the change in visible definition is very clear. Visible upper abs are starting to show though (non-existent before), and visible definition in quads are coming through as well.

    Recomp is a bit of a pit stop for me because I didn't want to bulk over summer. I plan to start a bulk in September. But recomp has been wonderful!
    Very cool. I can identify with the Tex-Mex sodium bomb.

    How long have you been at it? (Apologies if you said and I missed it.)

  • terar21
    terar21 Posts: 523 Member
    terar21 wrote: »
    I thought I'd give a post to share my experience so far with recomp. I've been at it for about 3 months now. The first month I started wasn't a "I want to recomp" as much as it was "I'm traveling most of the month so I'm going to eat at maintenance." Maintenance was so enjoying I just decided to stick with it. My training didn't change from when I was in a deficit to maintenance.

    For the most part, I follow Strong Curves (the advanced program in the book). This is my second time going through it. It works and I love how it's set up so I see no need to change. I DO make slight adjustments according to my goals. For example, instead of following the 3x8-12 for bench, I switched to a 5x5 because I'd really like to focus on increasing my bench strength rather than focusing on chest muscle growth. I lowered rep ranges on conventional deadlift as well (the program doesn't include conventional...just RDL and American but I subbed 4 weeks of RDL to do a round of conventional). For those that aren't familiar with Strong Curves, it's a full body program 3 days a week. It's a progressive program as well.

    In addition to the 3 days of strength training, I also run 3 days a week and occasionally swim once a week when I have the time. I started biking a couple month back but it was just WAY too much and I saw a significant decrease in energy and strength. Strength training is the priority for me right now so I dropped the biking and only swim when the mood calls. I'd like to do a sprint tri but I think that's really a year down the line at this point with lifting being the priority. I got somewhat passionate about running...until the heat hit...so my reason for running is purely increased calories because I'm only 5'2" and work a desk job so I need the cardio calories to eat the way I want to eat.

    I started at 118 pounds. Still 118.

    My eating habits are pretty consistent. I do take my calories with a grain of salt because I LOVE to eat out for dinner. However, I'm pretty consistent with the places I eat so the logging is consistent. My daily average is around 1900 to 2100. Because of the eating out estimating, it could be higher...I really don't know. As long as the scale is good week to week, I'm happy. The 1900 typically comes on a cardio day and the 2100 typically comes on a lifting day. I lift in the mornings so I always feel better with a little extra food in me for the day. At this point, a slight surplus isn't going to hurt me since I want these muscles to grow anyway. If I see the scale jump, it's typically always sodium bombs from sushi and mexican. I do a little more protein that you really need and higher fat just because my favorite foods are fatty (avocados and oils + fatty meats). It's my carbs I have to worry about getting.

    Same weight but I've lost inches.
    - Half inch of the hips
    - Inch off the thighs
    - I measure my waist at my natural waist and right below my belly button since I hold weight there...inch off that belly button area
    - Half inch off the butt

    I wish I measured arms but the change in visible definition is very clear. Visible upper abs are starting to show though (non-existent before), and visible definition in quads are coming through as well.

    Recomp is a bit of a pit stop for me because I didn't want to bulk over summer. I plan to start a bulk in September. But recomp has been wonderful!
    Very cool. I can identify with the Tex-Mex sodium bomb.

    How long have you been at it? (Apologies if you said and I missed it.)

    Fellow Texan :smile: I get hit with that tex-mex sodium bomb at least once a week. It's worth it though.

    And no problem, I completely forgot about the time. I managed to get down to 127 with cardio (swimming) and pilates. Wasn't really happy the composition of my body at that point and a bodpod had me at 31%. So end of October I dropped the pilates and started lifting and did a bare minimum deficit. I think the small deficit really helped since I was new to lifting and could capitalize on the newness.
  • DeguelloTex
    DeguelloTex Posts: 6,652 Member
    @terar21

    Fantastic results, imo. If I can get anything close to that level of change, I'll be very happy indeed. Very well done.
  • SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage
    SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage Posts: 2,668 Member
    I wish there was way to just "follow" everything usmcmp posts because it's all gold.
  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    @Chaelaz Great job! Proof positive. Thanks for sharing. Best of luck on your next goal.

    Thanks. I should have added that my eating habits were the same in both situations, just added a few more calories while lifting heavier (which is nice because I was able to reduce fat while eating more). And I don't get into that super clean eating or really strict moderation. I level eating over a weeks time and gauge over a month. Works for me.

    Cool to read others stories.

  • giusa
    giusa Posts: 577 Member
    BinkyBonk wrote: »
    I wish there was way to just "follow" everything usmcmp posts because it's all gold.
    SAME!
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    Totally agree!!!
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    P.S. If you go to search and type in recomposition it pops up.
  • blueyellowhorse
    blueyellowhorse Posts: 708 Member
    xcalygrl wrote: »
    blueyellowhorse: Do you have any idea what your body fat percentage is? I believe the recommended body fat percentages were mentioned earlier in the thread (25%? ish). I'm 5'5 and 153 lbs. and I'm guessing 24-26% body fat and starting my recomp now. I'm having a bodpod assessment done in a day or two to get a closer check on my "starting" numbers.

    I think I'm at 27%, well maybe 26%. I'm not sure, I think it's higher than that though. :#

    The good thing about a recomp is that there is no specific BF% you need to be at to start. The "rule" is to be a healthy weight. BF% doesn't impact a recomp the way it does when you do a bulk. If you're happy at your body weight, then start lifting heavy and eating at maintenance to recomp your body.

    Yes. I'm very sorry, I didn't intend to imply that you can't start recomping WHEREVER you want in your journey. I was just so pleased with my own reading comprehension (and it was like... 2:30 in the morning) that I wanted to share what I'd remembered reading. I have recomped at other weights/bf% by accident. I am recomping on purpose at around 25% on purpose this time for aesthetics - and I assume you are too, blueyellowhorse?

    Yes I want to look hot, lol. ;) Well I weighed myself this morning and I weigh 147, this is my lowest weight I've been in at least two years. So exciting. :) I really need to stop focusing on the scale so much though, because I still have a lot of fat left. I only really need to lose 12 more pounds or so, but I don't want to look skinny fat. So I guess I should take a break and start to recomp. :#
  • terar21
    terar21 Posts: 523 Member
    @terar21

    Fantastic results, imo. If I can get anything close to that level of change, I'll be very happy indeed. Very well done.

    Thanks!!!
  • DeterminedFee201426
    DeterminedFee201426 Posts: 859 Member
    *
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    terar21 wrote: »
    I don't have a start of recomp to current picture because I didn't think to take something that wasn't fully clothed at the time.

    I do however have a comparison between when I started lifting and now since I can't begin to praise the difference lifting has made in my body. There's only a 10 pound difference between the left and the middle/right photos. Crappy quality photo but I shows the progress. So this does include the last 3 months of recomp.

    1latdluj6ln7.jpg

    Thank you for posting this. I've been freaking out this week about spikes on the scale/not feeling slim enough on the beach and have been considering stopping my recomp, cutting more, and bulking in the late fall. You give me hope though.

    So there's a cut in there somewhere between the time of your before picture and your "after", right? I know in the first post you mentioned you are staying at 118. Just curious.
  • mich19025
    mich19025 Posts: 55 Member
    terar21 wrote: »
    I don't have a start of recomp to current picture because I didn't think to take something that wasn't fully clothed at the time.

    I do however have a comparison between when I started lifting and now since I can't begin to praise the difference lifting has made in my body. There's only a 10 pound difference between the left and the middle/right photos. Crappy quality photo but I shows the progress. So this does include the last 3 months of recomp.

    1latdluj6ln7.jpg

    Ooft! Well done!
  • cleanbulk_hatersgfy
    cleanbulk_hatersgfy Posts: 31 Member
    xcalygrl wrote: »
    Good morning,

    I started using free weights and machines not too long ago. I have no program and really no idea what I'm doing :smile: For those in the know, how heavy should a 39/f, 5'4", 108lbs, 8-10% bf (caliper/hydrostatic test) lift to get results? I've googled away and asked trainers at my local Q and got different answers. My goal is to look leaner/a little bit of muscle definition. Thanks in advance!

    If you're new to lifting, look into a tried and true program.
    New Rules of Lifting For Women
    Starting Strength
    Stronglifts 5x5
    Strong Curves

    If none of those appeal to you, try looking on bodybuilding.com for a program. Jamie Eason has some pretty good ones.

    Heavy is relative. What is heavy for you may be light for me, while what is heavy for me may be light for the next person. Just start somewhere and work your way up. If you're doing progressive loading, you'll get into heavy lifting soon enough.

    I just got the book New Rules of Lifting for Women. I will look up Jamie Eason too! Thanks! Happy Friday!
  • HollieWould1
    HollieWould1 Posts: 68 Member
    I thought about a recomp and decided on a bulk and cut routine instead. Although recomp sounds good, it seems a little harder to measure results than with a bulk and cut to me. I'm getting too old to spin my wheels, I guess.

    This interests me because, well AGE! I wonder if older age plays a role in your technique and your results. Interesting none the less.

  • HollieWould1
    HollieWould1 Posts: 68 Member
    Hornsby wrote: »

    When I started I was "skinny fat". Lost all the weight. Still wasn't happy. I knew I wouldn't be but didn't care as I had a plan to lose it first, then lift.

    How old are you? For science and to plan accordingly. I too am skinny fat, but age and all.
  • HollieWould1
    HollieWould1 Posts: 68 Member
    I don't have any research, but I'll post my results here. I've been recomping for about 2 years. I have chronic illness and eating at a deficit can be too much stress on my system.

    On the left I was 125 lbs, 24% body fat according to the Eat, Train, Progress body fat estimation thread. On the right I'm still 125 lbs but 2 sizes smaller.

    eratv3u3d0sb.png

    e34ba407-6e5a-47d6-903c-59c82d5f512b_zps3cf7062a.png

    That's focus and determination right there. Nice work!

    This is HOT!!! Exactly what I want to see for myself. Awesome!

  • ExRelaySprinter
    ExRelaySprinter Posts: 874 Member
    @terar21 What a transformation,....you look great!
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Hornsby wrote: »

    When I started I was "skinny fat". Lost all the weight. Still wasn't happy. I knew I wouldn't be but didn't care as I had a plan to lose it first, then lift.

    How old are you? For science and to plan accordingly. I too am skinny fat, but age and all.

    Age has less of an impact with females. Men can gain muscle quicker than women mainly due to testosterone - it decreases in men as they age - we do not have that impact so in theory, the playing field so to speak is leveled out more.

    Biggest impact is the additional recovery time we need as we get older - so you often get less work in.

    Anything that causes us to be able to put on muscle slower (gender, training age, injury etc) would make recomping or a very slow bulk more desirable (subject to preference and other individual factors) to a quicker bulk and the fat to muscle ratio will be worse. It does not mean you cannot recomp or bulk successfully - its just something to consider when you decide how you want to go about it.

  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    usmcmp wrote: »
    senecarr wrote: »
    jimmmer wrote: »
    usmcmp wrote: »
    SuggaD wrote: »
    usmcmp wrote: »
    SuggaD wrote: »
    I am totally not following any particular program right now and haven't really studied the science. What is working for me right now is sticking with my tri coach's workouts (tri specific challenging cardio) and hitting the weight room hard 3x per week (machines only), progressively increasing my weights, and eating what I want (lots of carbs...needed for activity level, and sufficient protein, adequate fats). I am really happy with my progress so far and think this is the permanent way forward for me. Cutting was too hard!

    Doing machines only means you are missing out on the stabilization requirements of free weights. Using machines also means less motor unit recruitment (less bang for your buck).

    Yeah, yeah, so folks on here keep telling me. But that's ok, I like the machines and am getting great results. More than 1 way to skin a cat.

    You're right that there is more than one way to skin a cat. There is no down side to moving from machines to free weights.
    How about massive scars and muscle damage on your abdomen that make stabilizing your core for squats much more painful than leg press and hack squat machines?

    This is an extreme example.

    For most people who don't have a pre-existing condition/injury her post is correct.

    If you have a medical reason why you have to use a machine - use a machine. Doesn't have to be a bunch of emotion attached to it. It's just training, not religion...


    @jimmmer

    I wasn't the one preaching about free weights to someone who appeared happy and successful with machines.

    ETA: And it doesn't take extreme examples. Maybe someone's at a gym without a squat rack and isn't comfortable squatting without one. Or someone doesn't want to deal with finding a spotter or possibly rolling weights off his body when using barbells.

    Yeah, free weights have advantages for people who want to use them. That doesn't mean everyone wants to use them and if it makes her less likely to lift, that's a downside to free weights. Heck, I use them for almost everything, but using machines is better than using nothing if that's what the person is comfortable with.

    Seem to recall usmcmp saying she's previously broken a hip, tore her ACL, but still squats.
    So exactly how is she being preachy? She's listed nothing but facts to support a method that might help the person save time and improve performance if adopted. The personal already said it is personal preference; if it was prescribed by some kind of physical therapy, I think they'd have said so already.
    @senecarr

    When someone writes, "Yeah, yeah, so folks on here keep telling me. But that's ok, I like the machines and am getting great results. More than 1 way to skin a cat." but you keep pressing, no pun intended, free weights, it comes off as preachy to me. If it doesn't to you, that's fine.

    She followed up once after that with a strong analogy.
    If it doesn't to you, that's fine.

    I get that she's probably uncomfortable with the idea of free weights. I understand there are situations where squatting or benching are going to be tougher with free weights. I also know that she's missing out by not doing any sort of free weights. I wasn't going to "preach" any further to her. If she's satisfied with what she's doing that's fine, but I refuse to sit back and not say anything about the benefits of free weights over machines.

    My biggest issue with machines are many of them force a specific movement path and can increase injury. But there are some machines i find very beneficial such as cable machines. But i would agree the majority of free weight moves will engage more muscles providing better result. But as already said, you need to work within your means and stay as safe as possible.
  • senecarr
    senecarr Posts: 5,377 Member
    Sarauk2sf wrote: »
    Hornsby wrote: »

    When I started I was "skinny fat". Lost all the weight. Still wasn't happy. I knew I wouldn't be but didn't care as I had a plan to lose it first, then lift.

    How old are you? For science and to plan accordingly. I too am skinny fat, but age and all.

    Age has less of an impact with females. Men can gain muscle quicker than women mainly due to testosterone - it decreases in men as they age - we do not have that impact so in theory, the playing field so to speak is leveled out more.

    Biggest impact is the additional recovery time we need as we get older - so you often get less work in.

    Anything that causes us to be able to put on muscle slower (gender, training age, injury etc) would make recomping or a very slow bulk more desirable (subject to preference and other individual factors) to a quicker bulk and the fat to muscle ratio will be worse. It does not mean you cannot recomp or bulk successfully - its just something to consider when you decide how you want to go about it.
    The difference in testosterone that occurs with aging isn't normally enough to affect muscle building.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    senecarr wrote: »
    Sarauk2sf wrote: »
    Hornsby wrote: »

    When I started I was "skinny fat". Lost all the weight. Still wasn't happy. I knew I wouldn't be but didn't care as I had a plan to lose it first, then lift.

    How old are you? For science and to plan accordingly. I too am skinny fat, but age and all.

    Age has less of an impact with females. Men can gain muscle quicker than women mainly due to testosterone - it decreases in men as they age - we do not have that impact so in theory, the playing field so to speak is leveled out more.

    Biggest impact is the additional recovery time we need as we get older - so you often get less work in.

    Anything that causes us to be able to put on muscle slower (gender, training age, injury etc) would make recomping or a very slow bulk more desirable (subject to preference and other individual factors) to a quicker bulk and the fat to muscle ratio will be worse. It does not mean you cannot recomp or bulk successfully - its just something to consider when you decide how you want to go about it.
    The difference in testosterone that occurs with aging isn't normally enough to affect muscle building.

    Not arguing - legit question here, but test decreases when you age. Test impacts muscle growth. So why would it not enough to affect it. Not saying its a big impact, but it must impact it. Unless I am getting the basics wrong here.