And the internal struggle begins....
JoRocka
Posts: 17,525 Member
I have a big event coming Sept of next year- and we all know bulking/cutting takes time.
I have a power lifting meet I'm planning on doing in late March- early April.
Right now it's 10 months till the beginning of September- which would be my cut off time... the debate is now- do I go for 5 months of bulking- and then 5 months of cutting- and hope it was good enough to get my weight up for the meet even though I may have to start cutting at that point- or just do cruise control for the next year... I can't have major huge weight flux's through end of July/August- I need to be where I need to be weight wise by then.... do you think I'm cutting it to close?
What do you all think-I was hoping to be back to the mid 150's before bulking again- but I realized today I hit the wire on when I could actually bulk- I thought I had more time- but looking at the calendar- I can't start so late. Upside- if I get to where I want to be by February or March- I can probably catch the work weight loss challenge and potentially lose weight and gain money.
Thoughts- give it to me straight- I can't cut for the next year- I want to eat more LOL- because fatkidproblems.
I have a power lifting meet I'm planning on doing in late March- early April.
Right now it's 10 months till the beginning of September- which would be my cut off time... the debate is now- do I go for 5 months of bulking- and then 5 months of cutting- and hope it was good enough to get my weight up for the meet even though I may have to start cutting at that point- or just do cruise control for the next year... I can't have major huge weight flux's through end of July/August- I need to be where I need to be weight wise by then.... do you think I'm cutting it to close?
What do you all think-I was hoping to be back to the mid 150's before bulking again- but I realized today I hit the wire on when I could actually bulk- I thought I had more time- but looking at the calendar- I can't start so late. Upside- if I get to where I want to be by February or March- I can probably catch the work weight loss challenge and potentially lose weight and gain money.
Thoughts- give it to me straight- I can't cut for the next year- I want to eat more LOL- because fatkidproblems.
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Replies
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You can drop water weight to make weight for a meet. It's not hard to drop 7-10 pounds in a week of water weight on PSMF. I think you are going to have to consider what cutting looks like to you. Do you cut easy or is it a struggle?0
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its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.0 -
Why don't you just compete at the weight you want to be? If you're "not really set on COMPETING" it makes no nevermind what weight you compete at. Find your weight for life, and compete there.0
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Why don't you just compete at the weight you want to be? If you're "not really set on COMPETING" it makes no nevermind what weight you compete at. Find your weight for life, and compete there.
my general weight is 160ish.
So personally that would be my druthers to compete at that weight- but I'm not die hard. But this isn't a life or death competition as it were.0 -
If that's the case, why not find a meet that is during your bulk if you are only interested in testing your mettle and gaining some experience? Could save a lot of unnecessaries?its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.
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nakedraygun wrote: »
If that's the case, why not find a meet that is during your bulk if you are only interested in testing your mettle and gaining some experience? Could save a lot of unnecessaries?its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.
It's the one the gym is attending and they have been hounding me to go with the.. This April meet they are trying to get a women's team which I'm eh about but I did tell them April was the one I would do. . I was supposed to be done with the whole wedding thing by now. So pushing it back changed things a little.
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Since I don't know crap about competing.. following and hoping for some *kitten* kicking at the meet!0
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No clue. Hopefully people with advice will pop in. @chrisdavey @SideSteel @Sarauk2sf
Also, there's some knowledgeable people in this group, but not sure how active everyone is:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/507-powerlifters0 -
IMO - it's a tradeoff of what is personally more important to you. For me, I wouldn't cut from April - August as that is too long of a time frame (20 weeks+/-)
If you decided to bulk, how much weight would you have to lose for you to be happy come September?0 -
Why not do a "mini-mini" bulk a week or two prior to your meet? I did that in August since I was cutting all summer prior to my meet. Gave me a little extra extra I needed to set platform PRs.nakedraygun wrote: »
If that's the case, why not find a meet that is during your bulk if you are only interested in testing your mettle and gaining some experience? Could save a lot of unnecessaries?its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.
It's the one the gym is attending and they have been hounding me to go with the.. This April meet they are trying to get a women's team which I'm eh about but I did tell them April was the one I would do. . I was supposed to be done with the whole wedding thing by now. So pushing it back changed things a little.
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Since I don't know crap about competing.. following and hoping for some *kitten* kicking at the meet!
thank you both- I'm looking forward to it- I was supposed to do one last season and didn't. This won't be a regular thing- much like the half marathon wasn't either- but it's a nice goal and they've been badgering me- so it'll be nice- lots and lots of my friends have asked/said I should- it's just been a matter of priorities and timing.
I think the April- August was a guide- I did a piss poor job of cutting last time- it felt like it took me an absurdly long time to get back down to pre bulk weight- so I was thinking 5 months was enough to get me close enough.IMO - it's a tradeoff of what is personally more important to you. For me, I wouldn't cut from April - August as that is too long of a time frame (20 weeks+/-)
If you decided to bulk, how much weight would you have to lose for you to be happy come September?
As far as gain/lose to be happy for Sept- as long as I'm back around 160 again I'll be happy- I am pretty happy with what I look like from 155-165. I sit around 160 regularly- last bulk I hit 180. I'm a bit big really to be bulking- but I hate the idea of losing a season since I skipped last year.nakedraygun wrote: »
Why not do a "mini-mini" bulk a week or two prior to your meet? I did that in August since I was cutting all summer prior to my meet. Gave me a little extra extra I needed to set platform PRs.nakedraygun wrote: »
If that's the case, why not find a meet that is during your bulk if you are only interested in testing your mettle and gaining some experience? Could save a lot of unnecessaries?its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.
It's the one the gym is attending and they have been hounding me to go with the.. This April meet they are trying to get a women's team which I'm eh about but I did tell them April was the one I would do. . I was supposed to be done with the whole wedding thing by now. So pushing it back changed things a little.
mostly b/c I'm bored and dont' want to miss a chance to grow a little.
I suppose I'm just selfishly thinking "just a little bit more"
I mean- I still looked pretty good at 180 last time around- meaty/fluffy for sure- but I still carried it reasonably well. But who doesn't want to look smoking on their wedding day- I mean- I'd rather NOT be meaty LOL.
I'm leaning more toward "eff it" just do it and see what happens.
New information though- the meet is April 3rd. So plenty of time to cut back to a reasonable weight after- I mean- I could cut half way through march to drop the water weight for the event and probably still be okay.
I think I'd probably aim for 15 pounds- keep it a little leaner than last time.
I just hate the idea of spending another seasons stuck where I am on my lifts AND eating at maintenance. just ho-hum to me.
Perhaps a small/shorter bulk might be better.
I dunno. LOL- musing- none of this is super life or death. Just kind of a general direction situation.0 -
So, I'm guessing your around 160 right now then? That's based on what you said above.
Why not starting next week, bump 100 calories/ week until you are consistently gaining between .5-.75/week. Then, aggressively cut 1lb/week for 8-10 weeks to get back to where you were, and slowly reverse back to maintenance for the remainder of 6-8 weeks?
1. You'll gain strength and some muscle
2. You should be able to maintain your new strength gains through your short cut
Just a suggestion of course...0 -
its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.
I think this is the right idea.
If this is your first meet, don't bother with trying to make weight. You'll have enough to focus on and you'll want to go have a great time and get experience.
So that brings us back to your original question to which I'd say to just use personal preference/your current physique goals and don't let the powerlifting meet dictate any of that, IMO.
The only minor thing I would add is that you won't likely need to spend equal time cutting and bulking. If you bulk for 5 months you won't need to cut for 5.
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its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.
I think this is the right idea.
If this is your first meet, don't bother with trying to make weight. You'll have enough to focus on and you'll want to go have a great time and get experience.
So that brings us back to your original question to which I'd say to just use personal preference/your current physique goals and don't let the powerlifting meet dictate any of that, IMO.
The only minor thing I would add is that you won't likely need to spend equal time cutting and bulking. If you bulk for 5 months you won't need to cut for 5.
Sounds like a plan. I was thinking this morning maybe an easy 15 pounds and just take it slower for 5 months and just see how it goes. I just really dislike the idea of losing another year if I don't HAVE to.
Okay- November slow bulk here we go!!! WOOT WOOT!0 -
its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.
I think this is the right idea.
If this is your first meet, don't bother with trying to make weight. You'll have enough to focus on and you'll want to go have a great time and get experience.
So that brings us back to your original question to which I'd say to just use personal preference/your current physique goals and don't let the powerlifting meet dictate any of that, IMO.
The only minor thing I would add is that you won't likely need to spend equal time cutting and bulking. If you bulk for 5 months you won't need to cut for 5.
Sounds like a plan. I was thinking this morning maybe an easy 15 pounds and just take it slower for 5 months and just see how it goes. I just really dislike the idea of losing another year if I don't HAVE to.
Okay- November slow bulk here we go!!! WOOT WOOT!
What lifting program are you going to be doing?0 -
There is always mixing in recomping if you can manage it, though it is difficult for most.0
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its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.
I think this is the right idea.
If this is your first meet, don't bother with trying to make weight. You'll have enough to focus on and you'll want to go have a great time and get experience.
So that brings us back to your original question to which I'd say to just use personal preference/your current physique goals and don't let the powerlifting meet dictate any of that, IMO.
The only minor thing I would add is that you won't likely need to spend equal time cutting and bulking. If you bulk for 5 months you won't need to cut for 5.
Sounds like a plan. I was thinking this morning maybe an easy 15 pounds and just take it slower for 5 months and just see how it goes. I just really dislike the idea of losing another year if I don't HAVE to.
Okay- November slow bulk here we go!!! WOOT WOOT!
What lifting program are you going to be doing?
I'm getting back into the swing of things doing Sheiko Beginner 2- technically I'm not supposed to- but I actually like the lay out/plan of it- and it's a little more of a ramp up than jumping straight back into Sheiko.
I'll run this for another 10 weeks- I need to back date my Sheiko peaking program and then figure out when to start that officially for the meet. But I'll run some version of sheiko- I like them and I'm used to them.0 -
its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.
I think this is the right idea.
If this is your first meet, don't bother with trying to make weight. You'll have enough to focus on and you'll want to go have a great time and get experience.
So that brings us back to your original question to which I'd say to just use personal preference/your current physique goals and don't let the powerlifting meet dictate any of that, IMO.
The only minor thing I would add is that you won't likely need to spend equal time cutting and bulking. If you bulk for 5 months you won't need to cut for 5.
Sounds like a plan. I was thinking this morning maybe an easy 15 pounds and just take it slower for 5 months and just see how it goes. I just really dislike the idea of losing another year if I don't HAVE to.
Okay- November slow bulk here we go!!! WOOT WOOT!
What lifting program are you going to be doing?
I'm getting back into the swing of things doing Sheiko Beginner 2- technically I'm not supposed to- but I actually like the lay out/plan of it- and it's a little more of a ramp up than jumping straight back into Sheiko.
I'll run this for another 10 weeks- I need to back date my Sheiko peaking program and then figure out when to start that officially for the meet. But I'll run some version of sheiko- I like them and I'm used to them.
Thanks. I looked at the program and it looks challenging. Definitely looking forward to seeing the results.0 -
its' more of a fight unless I start running- I start running and it happens pretty quickly it seems- last time was my first go round- I feel like I could do a better job with it this time- but I tend to be overly opptimistic.
I'm not set on a weight class for the meet- it would be my first official one- and really just for experience- so I'm not really set on COMPETING_ just showing up- so that's the least of my worries- but I'm not gonna joke it- I won't to do well and not look like an *kitten* on the platform if you know what I'm saying.
I think this is the right idea.
If this is your first meet, don't bother with trying to make weight. You'll have enough to focus on and you'll want to go have a great time and get experience.
So that brings us back to your original question to which I'd say to just use personal preference/your current physique goals and don't let the powerlifting meet dictate any of that, IMO.
The only minor thing I would add is that you won't likely need to spend equal time cutting and bulking. If you bulk for 5 months you won't need to cut for 5.
Sounds like a plan. I was thinking this morning maybe an easy 15 pounds and just take it slower for 5 months and just see how it goes. I just really dislike the idea of losing another year if I don't HAVE to.
Okay- November slow bulk here we go!!! WOOT WOOT!
What lifting program are you going to be doing?
I'm getting back into the swing of things doing Sheiko Beginner 2- technically I'm not supposed to- but I actually like the lay out/plan of it- and it's a little more of a ramp up than jumping straight back into Sheiko.
I'll run this for another 10 weeks- I need to back date my Sheiko peaking program and then figure out when to start that officially for the meet. But I'll run some version of sheiko- I like them and I'm used to them.
Thanks. I looked at the program and it looks challenging. Definitely looking forward to seeing the results.
it's definitely a thing- I kind of like it- for a lot of reasons- you get a lot of technical work- and it's just hard. So win win.
People think I'm totally crazy LOL- but I don't mind- as long as I literally have the time to do the work- I'm okay.0
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