Thanks!
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If this was me this is what I would be doing.
Dieting and training for strength really dont go hand in hand.
I would spend the next couple weeks brining cals up to maint. Once there for a couple weeks I would start the 531 plan. Sweater weather is here so i would plan for a a build period now and then a diet period at say end of jan/mid feb. That should give you time to shed any excess BF put on during the build and be in great shape for bikini time!!!
That’s pretty much what i am doing currently except I am 5 week into my build and i’ll prob not be wearing a bikini next summer. 
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You and me both.
What would you recommend for lifting during this. And how do I determine maintenance?
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I would just keep doing what your doing and maybe start to transition your lifts to be more inline with the 531 programming.
If your currently losing weight bring cals up 250 and see where you are after a week. If gaining, stay there for another week. That will prob be around maint. If still losing then add another 250.
Once you are into it I would be strict with cals so BW doesn;t get away from you. You should be gaining weight but not too much BF. You’ll have to use the mirror or post pics for critique.
Maybe we make a deal, I’ll wear one of you do?!?!?!?!?
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There is some damage the world at large doesn’t want to see. My roadmap of a belly is probably on the list 
. I’ll stick to a tankini.
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I’ll up the ante. You go straight bikini i’ll go one sided banana hammock!!! 
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Thanks for the tag and nod @SvenG !
Always happy to provide direction Beth! I’m so happy Sven called me here, I hadn’t found your log yet.
I second 531. It’s such a good program. It’s like a recipe. Pick one that sounds good, follow it to a T the first time that you make it, then experiment after that with what works for you. Or, just run a different 531. Same realm, different spices.
Really, program doesn’t matter. Effort, consistency and nutrition will do more for you than the most “optimal” program. I drop programs I don’t like, because it hurts my consistency and effort. If you feel you don’t have buy in, or have to change a bunch of things, maybe that’s not the program for YOU. And that’s okay.
Also, pick one. These all contractict one another. I played the “multiple goals at once” game far too many years and ended up with little to no results. I’ll post photos in my log to show you what I mean. It’s astounding what a one track focus will do. Believe me, that was a TOUGH pill for me to swallow.
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How many times do I have to wear the bikini? And do you post a picture?
Edit: by you I mean you. Not me. Lol
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Strength is my goal. I hadn’t 100% reached my weight but I’m comfortable where I am and would prefer to move forward with strength.
Edit: For clarity I’m speaking of fat loss. Don’t really care what I weigh if less parts are giggling. You know, except the parts that are supposed to giggle.
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We will talk when the Transformation challenge nears!!
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Awesome, the scale is helpful, photos are better. My scale and I will remain frenemies.
Then if you are prepared to eat a little more, Give 531 a go.
I’m working my way through your log so far, so I can provide better feedback as well. Good to hear you are also a runner!
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1: this term is used very loosely. 2: this term is used intermittently. Lol
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You have lots of great advise already most of which I agree with. For me press strength is directly effected by body weight. The heavier I get the more I can press. If you are losing weight then hitting a heavy press is going to be hard even if it is a weight you have done before.
The one thing that has always helped my press a volume and frequency. Consider adding some daily push ups to your routine. It doesn’t have to be 100’s just a couple of sets. If push ups from your toes are too hard, then do them with your hands in an elevated position. On a bench, on the stairs, on a bar in the rack, as they get easier go down a step or drop the bar 1 pin. The key here isn’t to do grindy max single push ups, it is to accumulate controlled good pace volume in the movement. You can even do this multiple times a day.
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That is the cleanest, most organized gym I have ever seen.
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Lol. I get a little cranky when people leave my stuff where it doesn’t belong. 
10/14
Calories: 1560 Protein: 132 Carbs: 121 Fat: 50
144
Morning walk with the old man. 3.13 miles. This might be my very favorite way to start the day. The walk wakes me up and he makes me laugh. What more could you ask for? So I’m turning a corner and moving to maintenance. Monday will be the start of 531. I am really quite excited for this. I love a new goal. Gonna try running it until the end of December. Then I will reassess for the beginning of the year. Took some pictures and some measurements this morning so I know where I started. I’m gonna do my very best to not let the scale get the best of me. I will probably have to remind myself that strong is the goal.
Got a couple of Aussies that I’m planning to challenge to a squat off by January. You know who you are. 
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Awesome! Which template did you select?
And, FWIW, I’d highly recommend running the 7WP, TM Test protocol first to make sure your TMs are dialed in—but if not that, then definitely Start Too Light.
You’ll go far with this.
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Unsure. Gonna figure it out this week. I have every intention of starting super light. Guess I will find out pretty quickly if I’ve overestimated myself. Lol
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10/15 Calories: 1500 Protein: 133 Carbs: 134 Fat: 36
144.6
Trap Deadlift 3 x 5 (95, 105) 120, 125, 130
DB Overhead press 3 x 5 (12) 20, 20, 20
Kettlebell swing 4 x 20 (15) 20, 20, 20, 20
Super set
Chest Fly 5 x 5 12, 12, 15, 15, 15
Reverse Fly 5 x 5 12, 12, 15, 15, 15
Side Bends 5 x 5 20, 20, 20, 20, 20
I went light on everything today. Still gave it my all. Focused on form. Today will be my last lifting day until I start the new program. Gonna give myself a bit of a rest so I can start fresh. Planning to do mostly morning walks over the next few days.
I’ve decided to go with 531 BBB. I figure the best way to go at the moment is KISS. I assume this program is probably going to destroy me, so simple is probably best.
I will be starting on Sunday. I’ve decided to switch my lifting days to Su, Tu, Th, Sat. This will put me on opposing days to the gym troll that I share with. I figure about 2 weeks in he will switch to my new days and then say he has always lifted on these days as is his way. I have not completely figured out if this is gaslighting or just his way of entertaining himself.
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