Recomposition: Maintaining weight while losing fat

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Replies

  • jillstreett
    jillstreett Posts: 69 Member
    edited September 2018
    heybales wrote: »
    Your TDEE with all that activity is only 1900?

    My BMR is calculated at roughly 1400 and I do the light activity multiplier - 250. I feel most weeks I could do the moderate multiplier because in addition to work outs, I walk my dog and get out and about on the weekends and try to move as much as I can in general, but I do have a desk job. So, I use the light multiplier at the risk of overestimating my allowance.
  • jillstreett
    jillstreett Posts: 69 Member
    sijomial wrote: »
    @jillstreett

    Question 1: Can I still eat at a slight deficit from TDEE during this phase, it would be a 250 cal deficit putting me at 1650 cals per day.
    Yes recomp doesn't just happen at precisely maintenance calories. Whether -250 cals works you won't know until you try. It's only 4 weeks to get to goal weight so pretty irrelevant in the long term.

    Question 2: should I drop back on the cardio? I am currently doing roughly 4 hours a week of intense HIIT style dance classes.
    Dance classes being true HIIT is very unlikely.
    Does your cardio stop you eating enough? Does your cardio interfere with your strength training or recovery?
    If you are looking to build muscle (if that's what you mean by "tone all over") then dance classes aren't the way to do it.
    Cut down to allow you to do three strength sessions a week might well be sensible.

    Question 3: Can I do a full body session each time? Or should it be broken up by upper and lower body?
    As a beginner (I'm assuming...) then body parts splits are probably sub-optimal. Yes you can do full body workouts x3 a week.

    I plan on lifting in the gym at my new office location during my 1 hour lunch break, probably 2x a week. So I don't have the luxury of endless time and I don't want to be terribly sweaty and gross.
    If you are only lifting twice a week then definitely don't do body part splits, do full body.
    For the majority of my lifting lifetime twice a week training has been effectively strength and muscle mass maintenance not growth. As a beginner then x2 might be enough for some growth but think about what your goals and priorities are.
    If it's CV fitness then focus on cardio - if it's muscle building then focus on lifting.



    This is great. Thank you. I was nervous about writing "HIIT style" in the dance class description because it is probably not exactly that in it's truest form, but it is a cyclical class with heart rate raising and then lowering dances. It's essentially Zumba but in a calculated way that has the short spurts of high followed by low, repetitively for an hour. I know people will read "Zumba" and think its easy, but I purposely sought this teacher out because of how intense her classes are. 48 pounds down, so it's not a passive dance class!

    I will start with 2 days and see how I feel. I could add a third, but as you stated, see how the first 4 weeks goes.

    Thanks!
  • jillstreett
    jillstreett Posts: 69 Member
    heybales wrote: »
    Your TDEE with all that activity is only 1900?

    1 - Sure you can eat at a deficit. The balance between having really strong workouts to transform the body, and eating in deficit to still lose fat weight is something you decide.

    2 - No recomp without giving the body a reason to build more muscle via resistance training. HIIT is not. (you have mentioned a routine that I can finally agree could be done for long and steady, or interval in nature - though I'd be curious what that appears like. Most misapply the HIIT term now)

    3 - Depends on your time - 3 x weekly full body will give best response for time & effort. If you have 6 days available to you, 3 x upper & lower can work too and hit that goal with less time spent.

    Thank you this is helpful!
  • candicew70
    candicew70 Posts: 74 Member
    edited September 2018
    I

    Question 1: Can I still eat at a slight deficit from TDEE during this phase, it would be a 250 cal deficit putting me at 1650 cals per day.
    Question 2: should I drop back on the cardio? I am currently doing roughly 4 hours a week of intense HIIT style dance classes.
    Question 3: Can I do a full body session each time? Or should it be broken up by upper and lower body?

    I plan on lifting in the gym at my new office location during my 1 hour lunch break, probably 2x a week. So I don't have the luxury of endless time and I don't want to be terribly sweaty and gross.

    Thanks!

    I've been in recomp mode since 2016 so just giving my experience below.

    1) That sounds about right. I eat 1600 (my maintenance seems to be somewhere around 1800-1900). If I stick to 1600, I slowly lose. I have "cheat" meals pretty regularly so my weight doesn't change much. Really, it's just moderation--eat sensibly 85% of the time.
    My body has changed A LOT since I started recomping. One friend thinks I lost 20lbs; I lost 8. Another asked the other day: "What exercise routine have you been doing?!" The answer: lifting moderately heavy weights 2 times a week and changing up the routine; walking 3-4 miles a day; and doing 1-2 HIIT workouts w/weights 1-2 times a week. I lift every other day. Go by your measurements, not the scale, to assess your progress. And eat enough protein.

    2) I used to do more cardio. Now I focus more on weight training. HIIT is great for fat-burning (which is part of the recomp process). Doing it 1-2 a week for an hour at a time hasn't slowed me down. I would focus more on the weights though.

    3) I only do full body. I take a few minutes to plan out the exercises I'll do each session ahead of time so I'm not doing the same exercises every time--a balance of upper and lower. If I do lunges on Mon, for instance, I'll do squats on Weds. I can do my weight-lifting routine in 45 min so under an hour is do-able. Bring a protein shake to have when you're finished. If you're lifting right, you're probably going to sweat (even in AC). I'm not really seeing a way around that, if I'm honest. Maybe try to schedule your lunch break for later in the day? I workout at work too, but I'm a teacher so it's easy for me to go to gym after my last class and then go back to my desk and grade/prep for a few hours (in my sweating gym clothes). I felt kind of bad for a colleague who had to catch a ride how with me yesterday--I know I stunk!

    Hope this helps and good luck!

  • candicew70
    candicew70 Posts: 74 Member
    I do want to add that the leaner your body, the slower the changes. As to be expected, I saw the fastest results in my first six months. Now I don't really see anything, so again, you have to measure.
  • jillstreett
    jillstreett Posts: 69 Member
    candicew70 wrote: »
    I

    Question 1: Can I still eat at a slight deficit from TDEE during this phase, it would be a 250 cal deficit putting me at 1650 cals per day.
    Question 2: should I drop back on the cardio? I am currently doing roughly 4 hours a week of intense HIIT style dance classes.
    Question 3: Can I do a full body session each time? Or should it be broken up by upper and lower body?

    I plan on lifting in the gym at my new office location during my 1 hour lunch break, probably 2x a week. So I don't have the luxury of endless time and I don't want to be terribly sweaty and gross.

    Thanks!

    I've been in recomp mode since 2016 so just giving my experience below.

    1) That sounds about right. I eat 1600 (my maintenance seems to be somewhere around 1800-1900). If I stick to 1600, I slowly lose. I have "cheat" meals pretty regularly so my weight doesn't change much. Really, it's just moderation--eat sensibly 85% of the time.
    My body has changed A LOT since I started recomping. One friend thinks I lost 20lbs; I lost 8. Another asked the other day: "What exercise routine have you been doing?!" The answer: lifting moderately heavy weights 2 times a week and changing up the routine; walking 3-4 miles a day; and doing 1-2 HIIT workouts w/weights 1-2 times a week. I lift every other day. Go by your measurements, not the scale, to assess your progress. And eat enough protein.

    2) I used to do more cardio. Now I focus more on weight training. HIIT is great for fat-burning (which is part of the recomp process). Doing it 1-2 a week for an hour at a time hasn't slowed me down. I would focus more on the weights though.

    3) I only do full body. I take a few minutes to plan out the exercises I'll do each session ahead of time so I'm not doing the same exercises every time--a balance of upper and lower. If I do lunges on Mon, for instance, I'll do squats on Weds. I can do my weight-lifting routine in 45 min so under an hour is do-able. Bring a protein shake to have when you're finished. If you're lifting right, you're probably going to sweat (even in AC). I'm not really seeing a way around that, if I'm honest. Maybe try to schedule your lunch break for later in the day? I workout at work too, but I'm a teacher so it's easy for me to go to gym after my last class and then go back to my desk and grade/prep for a few hours (in my sweating gym clothes). I felt kind of bad for a colleague who had to catch a ride how with me yesterday--I know I stunk!

    Hope this helps and good luck!

    This is fantastic as well. I am feeling even better about my preliminary strategy and will tweak as seen fit. I am glad to hear that eating at maintenance is not necessarily a key component because I simply do not want to eat that much most days. The protein shake I will have to ensure I do because while I make every effort to get enough protein, I feel I could always use more. Do you have a protein shake suggestion? Low in sugar, not artificial sweeteners, and maybe like 200 calories? Also, should I avoid ones that you mix with milk? I know that the protein in milk is great, but I personally feel like it is so dang sweet!

    Thank you!
  • candicew70
    candicew70 Posts: 74 Member
    edited September 2018

    This is fantastic as well. I am feeling even better about my preliminary strategy and will tweak as seen fit. I am glad to hear that eating at maintenance is not necessarily a key component because I simply do not want to eat that much most days. The protein shake I will have to ensure I do because while I make every effort to get enough protein, I feel I could always use more. Do you have a protein shake suggestion? Low in sugar, not artificial sweeteners, and maybe like 200 calories? Also, should I avoid ones that you mix with milk? I know that the protein in milk is great, but I personally feel like it is so dang sweet!

    Thank you!

    I hope it helps! I like Premiere Protein. It's 160 calories, 30 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat (I think)--not sure how many carbs but very few. I blend a carton of this with some frozen fruit. You can buy single shakes or the powder. I drink one of these after every weight lifting session. I don't like super sweet either and to me it's just right.

  • hmkiesel
    hmkiesel Posts: 27 Member
    I'm trying to decide if recomposition is the right plan for me... I am 5'7" and 140lb. My original plan was to lose 10lb because I am just a bit flabbier than I would like, but I really want to get more muscular and I am really sick of cardio. I had never heard of recomp until this post. I have used weight machines in the past and done squats with a bar but I am still very new to weight lifting and not sure how to start. I'm currently eating 1400-1600 calories per day and doing 45min-1hr of cardio 5 days a week, and I haven't lost anything yet but I've only been on this plan for a week and a half. for recomp if I eat at TDEE how often and for how long should I do strength training? and how often should I work each muscle group? should I be doing cardio such as HIIT as well?
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    hmkiesel wrote: »
    I'm trying to decide if recomposition is the right plan for me... I am 5'7" and 140lb. My original plan was to lose 10lb because I am just a bit flabbier than I would like, but I really want to get more muscular and I am really sick of cardio. I had never heard of recomp until this post. I have used weight machines in the past and done squats with a bar but I am still very new to weight lifting and not sure how to start. I'm currently eating 1400-1600 calories per day and doing 45min-1hr of cardio 5 days a week, and I haven't lost anything yet but I've only been on this plan for a week and a half. for recomp if I eat at TDEE how often and for how long should I do strength training? and how often should I work each muscle group? should I be doing cardio such as HIIT as well?

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you

    Yes to serious lifting plan needed - progressive overload - body needs a reason to make more muscle.

    TDEE constantly, at least when viewed from a weekly average - nailing it daily not required.

    HIIT (when truly HIIT not the faddish called workouts now) is as close as you can get to lifting with a cardio workout.

    If lifting - skip the HIIT, just do the lifting.
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    hmkiesel wrote: »
    I'm trying to decide if recomposition is the right plan for me... I am 5'7" and 140lb. My original plan was to lose 10lb because I am just a bit flabbier than I would like, but I really want to get more muscular and I am really sick of cardio. I had never heard of recomp until this post. I have used weight machines in the past and done squats with a bar but I am still very new to weight lifting and not sure how to start. I'm currently eating 1400-1600 calories per day and doing 45min-1hr of cardio 5 days a week, and I haven't lost anything yet but I've only been on this plan for a week and a half. for recomp if I eat at TDEE how often and for how long should I do strength training? and how often should I work each muscle group? should I be doing cardio such as HIIT as well?

    I think you're in a perfect spot to try to recomp. As a beginner, following a full-body, 3x/week program will be best. This will allow you to hit all your muscle groups multiple times per week to build a good base of strength. Starting Strength, Strong Curves, and New Rules of Lifting for Women are all highly recommended programs. If you want to do cardio on non-lifting days that's up to you. These programs usually take about 1 hour per session, give or take. Focus on nailing form and getting strong in the main compound lifts.
  • hmkiesel
    hmkiesel Posts: 27 Member
    heybales wrote: »
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you

    Yes to serious lifting plan needed - progressive overload - body needs a reason to make more muscle.

    TDEE constantly, at least when viewed from a weekly average - nailing it daily not required.

    HIIT (when truly HIIT not the faddish called workouts now) is as close as you can get to lifting with a cardio workout.

    If lifting - skip the HIIT, just do the lifting.
    steveko89 wrote: »
    I think you're in a perfect spot to try to recomp. As a beginner, following a full-body, 3x/week program will be best. This will allow you to hit all your muscle groups multiple times per week to build a good base of strength. Starting Strength, Strong Curves, and New Rules of Lifting for Women are all highly recommended programs. If you want to do cardio on non-lifting days that's up to you. These programs usually take about 1 hour per session, give or take. Focus on nailing form and getting strong in the main compound lifts.
    sijomial wrote: »
    @hmkiesel
    To add to the chorus.... :)

    I'm trying to decide if recomposition is the right plan for me... I am 5'7" and 140lb. - Sounds perfect.

    I am really sick of cardio. - Is there no activity, sport or pastime that elevates your HR that you enjoy? It doesn't have to be in a gym either. Most of my 240 hours of cardio this year has been outside in beautiful countryside.

    I had never heard of recomp - before it gained a name people just called it getting in shape. An entirely reasonable expectation from someone exercising/training.

    very new to weight lifting and not sure how to start - A beginner program will guide you. Typically they are x3 a week and full body to give you three cycles or stressing your muscles, repair/recovery and growth.

    should I be doing cardio such as HIIT as well? - Yes to cardio for health and fitness (and hopefully enjoyment!) but true HIIT would be a really poor choice. It's unpleasant, very fatiguing and needs recovery time. As a beginner to weights you will need your recovery from the lifting. Low to moderate intensity cardio should be fine and can even be helpful.

    Thank you! I should have been more specific. I don't mind cardio, I used to Irish Dance for 10+ hours a week and I loved it. I gave it up a few years ago because I was in college full time and working; I couldn't keep up with the hours and was injuring myself. but I recently joined a Taekwondo club that meets twice a week for 1.5 hours and I really enjoy that. I mainly just don't like cardio machines at the gym or running outside. But I've decided to start full body weight training M,W,F, with my taekwondo class as cardio T,Th. Gonna take it slow to start but I'll definitely look into a beginner weight lifting program.

  • mustb60
    mustb60 Posts: 1,090 Member
    @admaarie Great results! Your legs are so sculpted!! What's your strength routine?