Quote (PureOwnage2 @ Oct 21 2011 03:18pm)
Hey Raynor! Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate everything you have done for this community, and I'm glad you decided not to leave! You allowed me to lose 60 lbs! Couldn't have done it without you.
So, on to my question!
Situation: I am sitting at 215 lbs at the moment. I got down to 205 (no carbs) and school started and it lead to me having my diet being sub par. I eat well but not consistently well like I used to. So, basically, I have put back on all the carb weight. No problem.
The problem: My strength has been almost god-like compared to when I was cutting. I went from benching 235x3 to 255x6 in a matter of a couple of weeks (When I was cutting and since I've stopped cutting as well). Keep in mind I haven't been benching this whole time I have been cutting (Other than a few times here and there) Incline: I went from 205x2-3 to 235x6 today. Also, Hit 100 db benchx11, when I have only ever hit 100x6 even at my strongest!
Basically, I have been hitting huge prs that I have never even hit in my entire life. Stronger than ever. Feels amazing.
Now, I am trying to decide what to do. I am roughly 15% bf. I know I should cut, but I have been so demotivated especially after hitting these huge gains which make me want to bulk so bad.
My Choices:
Have you ever heard of recomping with Alan Aragon I believe? Basically, 20% surplus of calories on workout days. 20% deficient on non-workout days and it should lead to a gradual gain of muscle.
Continue to cut on regular calorie deficient diet and try to lose weight as quickly as possible so I can bulk! (NN keto. Tired of that. Pissed me off )
What do you think! I am so confused and I want to keep this strength moving! I am feeling very motivated about the strength, which is making me less motivated for cutting
Hm...you could try doing this...
determine your exact BMR (without exercise) then add an extra 500 calories for every hour of strength training.
From there you are going to do the following:
on workout days, consume a bulking diet worth of food, ie: 500 over your needed calories. (if your BMR is 2500 you would eat 3000) You will also perform 30 minutes of HIIT post-workout on strength training days.
On workout days, you will eat everything as usual, protein shake PWO and regular meals for the rest of the day.
On non-workout days, you will drop 500-800 cals lower than your BMR and do 1 hour of cardio, and reduce carbs dramatically.
ie: on a non-workout day, you will do the following (assuming you are 2500 bmr) - you would take in 1700-2000 cals and also perform 1 hour of LISS cardio or two 30 minute HIIT cardio sessions. Your macros should be carbs for the first 3 meals of the day and NO carbs for the second 3 meals.
In addition, the morning of WORKOUT days, make sure you get a sufficient meal - ie: 1 protein shake, 3 eggs, 1 cup oatmeal, 1 banana. This will help you fuel and recomp your body after the days of lower cals and higher energy expenditure.
This plan I am giving you is more towards maintaining you current strength while slowly cutting.