Group: Experienced Exercise

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 50, Messages: 19484

For intermediate and advanced individuals. Share and learn how to take your fitness to the next level!

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Dropping Fat While Retaining Muscle Mass

DMGetz
DMGetz
Posts: 12
Joined: 2004/03/29
United States
2004/04/22, 11:16 PM
I'm about to start my weight lift program again: very excited because I showed great gains (about 25 pounds in 10 months, including time off for injuries from other sports) even though I wasnt eating right or sleeping enough...perhaps I am not a hardgainer after all :big_smile:

Anyhow, here's what I am wondering. This wont be an issue for me for a while but I am very curious. I know that adding muscule I will add some fat, which oesnt bother me since I am gaining for a sport (hockey) rather than for body building. However, I was wondering how I would burn off that extra fat when I reach my goal weight? Would I just decrease my total calorie intake, while keeping high protein and weight lifting? Or change my lifting schedule/routine?

Thanks everyone,
David
azredhead57
azredhead57
Posts: 1,651
Joined: 2003/04/11
United States
2004/04/23, 03:00 PM
I think you cycle your workouts. After you have done your 8-12 week (or whatever yours is) gain you switch to a cutting or leaning out cycle. This can be anywhere from 4-12 weeks depending on your goals. You would probably cut back the calories a little and add some cardio. What has been working for me is to do a 4 week cycle of circuit training 3 days a week and cardio on the other days, and drop my calories just by a couple hundred. I do this after my muscle gaining cycle.

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~Victoria~
...Do not be discouraged; everyone who got where he is, started where he was.--anon
...There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.--Beverly Sills
DMGetz
DMGetz
Posts: 12
Joined: 2004/03/29
United States
2004/04/24, 12:42 PM
First off, thank you

I should have mentioned this before but I play hockey 2-5 times a week year 'round. So I doubt i could add any cardio to that - at least not if i want to keep my legs from falling off! :)

Maybe it would be best to skimp on the optional playing time (pickup; games as a sub) during the mass adding phase but to incorate them in the fat-burning stage?