[quote]Soccergod wrote:
Thanks to everyone who posted a reply -I noticed that out of the replies posted there were a lot of comments, but not enough feedback providing a solution. I cannot jack my weight up to 185-190 lbs and then try to cut…it’s just not beneficial for soccer and the endurance committments that the sport requires. If you do a google search for pictures of David Beckham, Ronaldinho, Fredrik Ljungberg, etc, you’ll see that theyre not big at all - theyre cut and powerful. That’s what I want to achieve …I just need detailed assistance with structuring a workout routine and nutritional plan (what to eat, how much, and when).
I’ll become someone’s “Project” in essence if they want to commit to helping me.
Thanks[/quote]
OK, I’m going to chime in here since I lift weights and also play soccer (although I am by no means, an expert). I’m 5’ 7" 193 lbs and would probably like to get a [i]touch[/i] leaner for the soccer season that will be starting shortly.
However, my intent in doing that is to hang onto every precious ounce of muscle I’ve earned from countless hours in the gym. I’m 3 inches shorter than you, but also 23 lbs heavier (and my speed is still very good).
The problem you are facing is an odd one (but one I have given thought to): soccer players (especially ones who play extensively) are not exactly the most jacked dudes in the world. They run such a God awful amount that it’s pretty difficult to have a lot of muscle. In addition, I don’t think your average soccer players spends very much time giving weight training much thought for improving their games.
Judging by your photos and your goals, I would absolutely URGE you not to take on a formal plan of cutting. That being said, I am also not saying you need to up your weight a bunch right before the season starts. That would just be crazy and if you are playing a lot, it would also be fruitless.
So what to do?
I think you can balance out your two goals if you approach it realistically. No one on here is going to create a tailor made plan for you for free, but if I can throw out a suggestion, take a look at Joe DeFranco’s Westside for Skinny Bastards II here on the site:
http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=667308
This will serve two purposes for you:
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Give you a structured program to follow; and
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Give you a program that focuses on performance (but will also give your build a kick in the pants as well).
Not to cut on you too hard, but saying you have a “good base of muscle mass on my body as a soccer player” is really not saying a whole lot. All of the players you described above may be cut, but none of them are “powerful” at all. Rooney is about as close as you will come to a powerful looking soccer player.
If you really want to look good for those photos AND still do well in soccer, cutting is just simply not an option. You will honestly just end up looking worse since post-cut, there will not be any muscle mass to go along with the leanness… and quite frankly, your game is going to suffer too.
Eat a healthy variety of foods, but be sure you eat enough, probably more than you are used to. Your body is going to need that fuel to build muscle from somewhere and if you are running 5X a week, that is going to be a severe drain on those resources you need for building muscle.
I hope that helps some. I can certainly appreciate your position, but as most people on here have pointed out, you need to focus getting some muscle built up and NOT buy into the idea that it will somehow be “non-functional”.
Kuz
