Maintenance Mode and Fat Loss?

OLFATUG
OLFATUG Posts: 393 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I am very close to my 'ideal' weight, but am still carrying plenty of fat. I am (according to my calipers) at roughly 15% body fat. If I switch MFP to maintenance mode and continue to work out, can I expect that my weight will stay relatively the same but that my body fat % will come down?

It seems like the obvious answer here is yes, but I've been wrong too many times before (just ask my wife! ;) )

This is my current workout schedule if it helps in any way, shape, or form. Thanks for any advice!

MONDAY - Spin Class (Cross-Train Recovery)
TUESDAY - 4-6 mile run; strength training
WEDNESDAY - 8 - 10 mile run
THURSDAY - 4-6 mile run; strength training
FRIDAY - REST
SATURDAY - 8 - 10 mile run; strength training
SUNDAY - long run (18+, or 13 if previous Sunday was 20+)

Replies

  • jadesign19
    jadesign19 Posts: 512 Member
    I don't have any advice. But I wanted to tell you your my hero! :flowerforyou:
  • OLFATUG
    OLFATUG Posts: 393 Member
    I don't have any advice. But I wanted to tell you your my hero! :flowerforyou:

    Thanks, nice of you to say. :)
  • OLFATUG
    OLFATUG Posts: 393 Member
    -=shameless bump=-
  • Anayalata
    Anayalata Posts: 391 Member
    I really have no idea. I've seen many pics of women that post their "Weight lifting success" stories here and they maintain the same number on the scale but look remarkably more defined.

    I suppose that mean less BF% and higher muscle%

    If you're a guy I'd say just bulk a bit (eat 300~ over maintenance for a year~ while lifting) and then cut again.
  • montana_girl
    montana_girl Posts: 1,403 Member
    I've been on maintenance for awhile and once I started adding strength training to my exercise routine, my weight stayed the same but I lost inches and little body fat. I wasn't trying to do that, I was strenght training to build up my core muscles for running, so the inches and body fat lost were just an added bonus! :happy:
  • bigbrownbear123
    bigbrownbear123 Posts: 32
    For reference, 15% body fat is not 'carrying plenty of fat'. It is perfectly healthy and actually well below average for American men. Bear this in mind.

    Of course if you're not satisfied with your current levels of definition, you will have to lose a little body fat.

    In response to your actual question, yes it is likely you will improve your definition whilst maintaining weight and using maintenance calories.

Categories