Hey guys,
Just curious as to what you all think about this. I just ordered some Red Bands, and I am about to go on a 12 week cutting cycle consisting of a 5x5 type routine coupled with HIIT. I also have two bottles of Mag-10 lying around. Do you guys think I should use the Mag-10 on my cutting cycle, or is Red Bands strong enough that I should perhaps wait and use them for bulking. Any thought or experiences you guys can share would be very appreciated. Thanks.
-Greg
If it were me I’d probably save the MAG-10. I can tell you from experience that it works VERY well for bulking. Seems to me it would be a waste to use it on a cutting cycle, esp. since you don’t have much. I’m guessing your rationale is to use the MAG-10 to help prevent muscle loss, but from what I understand the ingredients in Red Bands will help in this area also. Presumably you’ll also keep the protein intake high. So my advice: get ripped now, and on your next bulk use the MAG-10 and lots of food and get BIG!
Just my thoughts…
Thanks man. Anyone else?
Bump for this. I really would like to hear from you guys.
Hmm, I’d also suggest using Mag-10 for bulking. Its job is really to help you pack on the muscle.
Considering you can buy all the Red Bands you want and that you won’t be able to buy much more Mag-10, save the Mag-10 for putting on the muscle.
Greg, I saw your post in the Red Bands Product Area, but decided to answer here.
You wrote:
What do you guys think, for a 12 week cutting peroid at 12xlbm in calories with an overfeed every 6-9 days depending upon current level of leaness? Do you think it’d be worthwhile to stack mag-10 with Red Bands and drop calories to 8xlbm and increase overfeed frequency, or would it be better to just save the Mag-10 for bulking? Currently, I’m 6’1, 265 at 24% bodyfat. I’d like to get to between 10-12%.
I’m not overly thrilled with the approach. Yes, you can use Mag-10 to keep from losing LBM when you cut calories that low, but you won’t last. Energy is going to suck. You’re going to be OBSESSED with food all of your waking hours and have trouble sleeping because you’re so hungry. You might be able to last a week or two, but I’m not even sure of that.
There are a couple of other things, too. Part of what makes Mag-10 so darn effective at putting on LBM is that the person’s diet is dialed in; i.e., they’re eating enough carbs (and protein, of course) to support the building of muscle. And at that low a multiple, something’s got to give, be it protein intake, carbs or fat.
I agree with vroom (and others). Why don’t you save the Mag-10 for bulking and learn how cut. I’d be glad to help if you’re interested.
As a general approach I like to calculate protein requirements and fat requirements based on LBM (instead of TBW). Your LBM is 201.4 pounds. Let’s just use 200 pounds.
Protein Requirements = LBM x 1.5g = 200 x 1.5 = 300g protein per day.
Divide the 300g by 7, which is the number of meals I want you to eat; 6 during the day and one in the middle of the night.
Per Meal Protein Requirements = 300/7 = 42.85g/meal. Let’s just say between 40g and 45g per meal.
Fat Requirements = LBM x .4g = 200 x .4 = 80g of fat per day.
One-third of your fat should come from monounsaturated fat olive oil & avocado, one-third should come from saturated fat (in the meat you eat and eggs) and one-third should come from polyunsaturated fat (fish oil and flaxseed oil).
Carbs. I’m just going to arbitrarily pick numbers out of the air, based on working with people.
Workout Days:
On days you work out, allow yourself 250g of carbs. Take in at least 150 with Surge and your 2 PWO meals. Divide the other 120g of carbs up in the meals before you work out. Green veggies and salad predominantly before working out. Starchy carbs like oatmeal, sweet potatoes and brown rice after you work out.
Non-Workout Days.
On days you don’t work out you’re allowed 125g of carbs. No starchy carbs whatsoever. Salads and green veggies only.
If you want numbers, you’ll be taking in 2,920 calories on days you work out and 2,420 calories on days you don’t work out.
Oh, as part of your carbs on both days, make sure you get in 3 servings of fruit.
Last thing. You need to be drinking water. Based on your current weight you need to be drinking 130 ounces per day; i.e., a gallon a day.
What tools do you need?
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A digital scale from Wal-Mart that measures your weight in tenths of a pound. ($30) Weigh once a week.
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A digital scale to weigh/measure your food. Go to Staples/Office Depot, go to the postal section and get the cheapest digital scale there. ($30)
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AccuMeasure 2000 calipers to test BF%. It’s a one-point/one-pinch test you can do yourself. Just be precise and average 3 readings. Measure once a week.
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A Nutritional Desk Reference. I like “The NutriBase Nutrition Facts Desk Reference.” ($17)
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Tupperware/Rubbermaid containers and a cooler so that you can take your food with you whenever you leave the house.
The above will get you started. Any questions? (grin)
Terry, should I be doing any refeeds? Or are calories high enough that I shouldn’t concern myself?
I’ll be checking in with you soon, Thank you for your help.
-Greg
Hey, there, novamcglone! (grin)
Nope, don’t worry about refeeds for the time being. Let’s get a handle on your diet and get that working for you. I’d recommend that you make a mental commitment to yourself of 3 or 4 weeks. After you’re making stady, consistent progress, we/you can factor in a dietary detour here and there.
As with any diet, it may need to be adjusted to speed up weight/fat loss or to slow down weight/fat loss. Refeeds are definitely indicated when dieting with a huge caloric deficit, but we’re not doing that.