I have been averaging about 2300 calories per day (very clean) and have been trying to stay as high in protein and low in carbs as possible.
I have been doing this program for about a month and have seen some significant (beginner) lifting gains and I have lost about 12lbs. However, I decided on this program because of the cardio aspect of it - and I do feel like puking after each workout so I know I’m boosting my metabolism and burning calories.
(Un)Fortunately I have become better educated via this and some other sites and I am thinking that I’m going about this all wrong. Now, I think that if I focus on getting stronger by using simpler full body lifts and eating more, the muscle will grow and the fat will melt. Enter Rippetoe/5x5.
Here are my questions:
Would it be incorrect to switch gears after only a month of working out?
My assumption is that I would need to eat around 3K cals per day to increase my strength. Should I build up to the extra calories over time or no?
What are the opinions on which program I should use to decrease my BF%? I am obviously carrying a lot of fat and I don’t have much muscle. I assume I can keep my heart rate up longer with the 5x5 program but assume I would be lifting more weight with the Rippetoe.
If you have read this far, you know by now that I tend to make things very complicated.
[quote]Stuyou wrote:
Today I had my BF% tested at 30.6%. Although I feel like I’m in shape, I am officially obese - and I hate lugging around this gut.
I am currently doing the following circuit program:
I have been averaging about 2300 calories per day (very clean) and have been trying to stay as high in protein and low in carbs as possible.
I have been doing this program for about a month and have seen some significant (beginner) lifting gains and I have lost about 12lbs. However, I decided on this program because of the cardio aspect of it - and I do feel like puking after each workout so I know I’m boosting my metabolism and burning calories.
(Un)Fortunately I have become better educated via this and some other sites and I am thinking that I’m going about this all wrong. Now, I think that if I focus on getting stronger by using simpler full body lifts and eating more, the muscle will grow and the fat will melt. Enter Rippetoe/5x5.
Here are my questions:
Would it be incorrect to switch gears after only a month of working out?
My assumption is that I would need to eat around 3K cals per day to increase my strength. Should I build up to the extra calories over time or no?
What are the opinions on which program I should use to decrease my BF%? I am obviously carrying a lot of fat and I don’t have much muscle. I assume I can keep my heart rate up longer with the 5x5 program but assume I would be lifting more weight with the Rippetoe.
If you have read this far, you know by now that I tend to make things very complicated.
[/quote]
I’ll say since you’ve learned the lifts, if you want to switch a program, go for it find one you like, and do some cardio.
Thanks Zep. You make a good point in that I am already doing the lifts in Rippetoe and 5x5.
I’m torn between doing a program that I enjoy, and thinking that I may have selected the wrong program. Maybe I should try the 5x5 or Ripptoe and incorporate burbees in between sets to keep my heart rate up. Or, I could do the lifts as circuits…
The more I think about it the more confusing I tend to make it.
[quote]Stuyou wrote:
Thanks Zep. You make a good point in that I am already doing the lifts in Rippetoe and 5x5.
I’m torn between doing a program that I enjoy, and thinking that I may have selected the wrong program. Maybe I should try the 5x5 or Ripptoe and incorporate burbees in between sets to keep my heart rate up. Or, I could do the lifts as circuits…
The more I think about it the more confusing I tend to make it. [/quote]
could do the burpees as gpp at the end of your workous.