Weird Results - What Is This Crap?

Bigger Stronger Leaner Competitive Bodybuilding
1

So I’m all ready expecting some flames (enter prof-x) but whatever. I’ve been trying to drop body fat while maintaining my muscle (for about 3 months). I got some HRX and I like them thus far. Here is where the flames start?.

I have been keeping my diet to about 1800 to 2000 cals, and my work out is as follows

Monday: chest, shoulders, back ? 3 exercises per body part. Lifting as heavy as I can 4 to 6 reps. One hour of cardio at 60 to 65% MHR which works out to be about 900 calories.

Tuesday: Legs ? Squats, deadlift, leg press, and seated calf raises. My legs I can’t work out with AS heavy weight because I have a knee injury and if I deadlift over about 300, I start to favor my stronger knee and I have lower back pain like WHOA! One hour of cardio at 60 to 65% MHR again about 900 calories worth.

Wed - Same as Monday

Thurs - Same as Tuesday

Fri - day off

Sat - Same as Monday

Sun - Off

Ok so my bench in the last 3 months has gone from about 150 to 230 work out weight, and I’ve made decent gains in a lot of other areas. All my friends are saying I’m getting a lot bigger in my shoulders and chest, but I’ve lost like 8lbs on the scale. With my calorie intake and all my cardio shouldn’t I be loosing more body fat? I do see a change in my body composition, but I think it’s more my muscles swelling then me loosing fat. I’m not on a bulk cycle; I’m trying to lean up. What the fuck?

I would say that my diet is about 55% protein, 25% carbs, and 20% fats (good ones, nuts, meat etc)

I eat ZERO fried food, I try never to eat high fructose corn syrup, or partially hydrogenated any thing. I don’t get it?

I suppose I could be gaining muscle and loosing fat at about an equal rate, but I don’t think I’m that lucky. Can any one give me an idea of what’s going on?

2

If you take a bodybuilder who was bulking up to say 225 and he then cuts to 200 he will look bigger than he did at 225. More defined muscles look larger than smooth ones. I suspect that is what is going on.

3

Well, if you’re a raw begginer it can happen. How much protein were you getting before? A lot of times when people start dieting they wind up consuming a lot of protein for the first time and make a good jump from that alone.

4

[quote]Smack78 wrote:
So I’m all ready expecting some flames (enter prof-x) but whatever. I’ve been trying to drop body fat while maintaining my muscle (for about 3 months). I got some HRX and I like them thus far. Here is where the flames start?.

I have been keeping my diet to about 1800 to 2000 cals, and my work out is as follows

Monday: chest, shoulders, back ? 3 exercises per body part. Lifting as heavy as I can 4 to 6 reps. One hour of cardio at 60 to 65% MHR which works out to be about 900 calories.

Tuesday: Legs ? Squats, deadlift, leg press, and seated calf raises. My legs I can’t work out with AS heavy weight because I have a knee injury and if I deadlift over about 300, I start to favor my stronger knee and I have lower back pain like WHOA! One hour of cardio at 60 to 65% MHR again about 900 calories worth.

Wed - Same as Monday

Thurs - Same as Tuesday

Fri - day off

Sat - Same as Monday

Sun - Off

Ok so my bench in the last 3 months has gone from about 150 to 230 work out weight, and I’ve made decent gains in a lot of other areas. All my friends are saying I’m getting a lot bigger in my shoulders and chest, but I’ve lost like 8lbs on the scale. With my calorie intake and all my cardio shouldn’t I be loosing more body fat? I do see a change in my body composition, but I think it’s more my muscles swelling then me loosing fat. I’m not on a bulk cycle; I’m trying to lean up. What the fuck?

I would say that my diet is about 55% protein, 25% carbs, and 20% fats (good ones, nuts, meat etc)

I eat ZERO fried food, I try never to eat high fructose corn syrup, or partially hydrogenated any thing. I don’t get it?

I suppose I could be gaining muscle and loosing fat at about an equal rate, but I don’t think I’m that lucky. Can any one give me an idea of what’s going on?[/quote]

So basically what you’re saying is you eat 1800 calories and burn 1/2 of that while doing cardio alone? Hmmm I let others point out how incredibly unhealthy that is. This isnt about bulking its about eating at a healthy minimum.

5

[quote]PGA200X wrote:

So basically what you’re saying is you eat 1800 calories and burn 1/2 of that while doing cardio alone? Hmmm I let others point out how incredibly unhealthy that is. This isnt about bulking its about eating at a healthy minimum.[/quote]

Yeah, I didn’t read closely enough to notice that.

6

[quote]Donut62 wrote:
PGA200X wrote:

So basically what you’re saying is you eat 1800 calories and burn 1/2 of that while doing cardio alone? Hmmm I let others point out how incredibly unhealthy that is. This isnt about bulking its about eating at a healthy minimum.

Yeah, I didn’t read closely enough to notice that. [/quote]

He’s going to burn himself out and his metabolism is going to stall out. Then, when he isn’t losing anymore weight, he will either do something stupid like try starving himself, or simply give up eventually. He should probably take 2-3 weeks, learn to eat better at maintenance, drop the cardio and let his body level off. However, the chances of him doing that are probably slim to none since most people rush fat loss as if they are running a race and have to finish first.

7

I was waiting for Prof-X to put in his 2 cents. I’ve listened to every one say how much I should eat. I have tried to up my cals and have (origionaly I was around 1500 a day). If however I eat more, I feel like crap. I get sluggish and slow. As it stands though I’m making gains on my weights, and I’m not trying to “rush” on my fat loss. I really would like to drop about .75lbs a week. When I have bumped my cals up to about 2400, I started putting on weight (in my gut).

I know there are many informed people on this site, but in the end I’m going to listen to my body. If I feel I need to eat more down the road I will, but as it stands I’ve been working out for about 4 months and feeling better every day.

Back to my origional point. Is it possible some people simply don’t need as many cals? Is it possible for one body to use food in a more effective way then another, there by needing less food?

EDIT:
Just for clarification, I’m not trying to get to 5% BF or any thing like that. I would like to drop to 10% BF by my 30th birthday (which gives me a little over 2 years) I think I’m at about 20 to 25% now. More then any thing I want to develop a healthy life style and feel good. While I do respect many of the people opinions on this site I will all ways listen to my body, and how I feel each day more then any weight lifting mantra. aka eat X ammount for X work.

But does any one know about my questions above?

8

[quote]Smack78 wrote:
If I feel I need to eat more down the road I will, but as it stands I’ve been working out for about 4 months and feeling better every day.[/quote]

It’s possible that you are pretty much a beginner and are almost guaranteed to get gains. As you progress it will get harder and harder to achieve your goals.

If you get sluggish eating more, I’d look into meal size, composition and timing.

9

Well here’s the thing. I’ve got body fat that I need to loose I know this. But I’ve tried crash diets in the past and they don’t work. In the past I would just eat one large meal a day, due to work and school. I used to eat maybe 1000 calories, or I would go to Wendy’s and get something hella unhealthy. Then I would prob get more then 1000 cals, but either way I would eat once a day.

So for me 2000 cals is about doubling my intake. I do eat about 4 to 5 times a day (or at least I make my best effort to), and I’m eating good healthy foods. I’m getting about 9 or so hours of sleep sometimes 10, my mood has gotten better and better. I was actually doing more exercises, but I cut it down to 3 good exercises based on a lot of the ?less is more? talk.

The reason why I’m balking at some of you who say OH MY GOD EAT more is because of an article related to marathon runners I read some time ago. Basically it dealt with runners who trained in high elevations in Africa, in intense heat. There bodies just grew accustom to these conditions. Then when they come over to Boston for a marathon, there is so much more oxygen because it’s closer to see level, and it’s cooler they go nuts and clean house.

What I’m thinking is going on with my body at the moment is similar. I grew up on pizza and Mac and cheese, so now that I?m feeding my body almost 2 times the calories I was getting and they are good calories. Well I’m thinking my bodying is getting its fill (for now). I was working out at the same intensity previously and only getting about 1500 calories, then I started feeling hungry between my 2 hours meals so I eat more. If I start feeling hungry again I’ll eat more at that time.

But my question still stands, any one have thought’s on why my scale weight would be at such a stale mate with my current work out? I’m not totally freaked out by it because I am seeing a visual change in my body. I think I’m just going to start getting BF % measurements every 3 months or so; but it’s always nice to see the scale drop a bit due to some hard work.

10

[quote]Smack78 wrote:
I was waiting for Prof-X to put in his 2 cents. I’ve listened to every one say how much I should eat. I have tried to up my cals and have (origionaly I was around 1500 a day). If however I eat more, I feel like crap. I get sluggish and slow. As it stands though I’m making gains on my weights, and I’m not trying to “rush” on my fat loss. I really would like to drop about .75lbs a week. When I have bumped my cals up to about 2400, I started putting on weight (in my gut).

I know there are many informed people on this site, but in the end I’m going to listen to my body. If I feel I need to eat more down the road I will, but as it stands I’ve been working out for about 4 months and feeling better every day.

Back to my origional point. Is it possible some people simply don’t need as many cals? Is it possible for one body to use food in a more effective way then another, there by needing less food?

EDIT:
Just for clarification, I’m not trying to get to 5% BF or any thing like that. I would like to drop to 10% BF by my 30th birthday (which gives me a little over 2 years) I think I’m at about 20 to 25% now. More then any thing I want to develop a healthy life style and feel good. While I do respect many of the people opinions on this site I will all ways listen to my body, and how I feel each day more then any weight lifting mantra. aka eat X ammount for X work.

But does any one know about my questions above?[/quote]

You’ve only been working out for 4 months yet you know how your body is responding? Thats the ULTIMATE answer for people who dont give it enough time. You see a tiny bit of fat gain and freak out and cut your calories BELOW what someone would need to function NORMALLY with what you are buring on a daily basis. If your 20-25% claim is true you dont have much muscle on your frame. Do you understand that more muscle equates better fat maintenance?

11

PGA, No I’m not seeing fat gain, and I’m not worried about that. Just because you don’t lift weights doesn’t mean you don’t know about your body, you should have thought a bit before you made that statement.

Please read my post more carefully before you start preaching. I’m asking (again), if it’s possible for one’s body to use the fuel you give it in a more efficient manor then the average person.

My goals for working out, are not to get “huge” all though with my frame I will end up with good size, my goal is not to be “ripped” per say all though muscle definition is nice. My goal is to have a happy and healthy life, with good muscle tone, endurance, and a positive out look.

If I’m feeling slow, and sluggish then no I’m not going to eat more UNTIL my body tells me I need it. Then I will adjust my caloric intake to what my body needs at that time.

My goals are not short term, they are long term. As stated above before I started working out I would get about 1000 calories in 1 large meal a day, then I upped that to 1500 over 4 or 5 meals a day, now I’m at 2000 calories over about 4 or 5 meals a day.

See the trend? Slowly getting my body used to eating more and more healthy foods when it feels it needs them. Not before and not after. Slow and steady wins the race.

Sooooo back to my original questions any one?

12

[quote]Smack78 wrote:
But my question still stands, any one have thought’s on why my scale weight would be at such a stale mate with my current work out? I’m not totally freaked out by it because I am seeing a visual change in my body. I think I’m just going to start getting BF % measurements every 3 months or so; but it’s always nice to see the scale drop a bit due to some hard work.
[/quote]

What’s the mystery? You are losing fat. You are putting on muscle. Your weight isn’t really changing. It won’t last forever…

13

[quote]Smack78 wrote:
PGA, No I’m not seeing fat gain, and I’m not worried about that. Just because you don’t lift weights doesn’t mean you don’t know about your body, you should have thought a bit before you made that statement.

Please read my post more carefully before you start preaching. I’m asking (again), if it’s possible for one’s body to use the fuel you give it in a more efficient manor then the average person.

My goals for working out, are not to get “huge” all though with my frame I will end up with good size, my goal is not to be “ripped” per say all though muscle definition is nice. My goal is to have a happy and healthy life, with good muscle tone, endurance, and a positive out look.

If I’m feeling slow, and sluggish then no I’m not going to eat more UNTIL my body tells me I need it. Then I will adjust my caloric intake to what my body needs at that time.

My goals are not short term, they are long term. As stated above before I started working out I would get about 1000 calories in 1 large meal a day, then I upped that to 1500 over 4 or 5 meals a day, now I’m at 2000 calories over about 4 or 5 meals a day.

See the trend? Slowly getting my body used to eating more and more healthy foods when it feels it needs them. Not before and not after. Slow and steady wins the race.

Sooooo back to my original questions any one?
[/quote]

Not worried about fat huh?

“When I have bumped my cals up to about 2400, I started putting on weight (in my gut).”

“With my calorie intake and all my cardio shouldn’t I be loosing more body fat?”

Ok?

Then you go on to say this…
“More then any thing I want to develop a healthy life style and feel good.”

How you are eating is not healthy. If you are doing, workout wise, what you claim you are doing you’re not eating ANYWHERE near enough. You are STARVING yourself. You know why you feel sluggish? You’re FINALLY feeding your system. Its a shock and its trying to absorbe it. You’re buring out your body. When you feed it after that stravation it needs time to adjust. You’re NOT giving it time to adjust. Like I said earlier, its not about bulking its about getting to a healthy eating level. You are nowhere near that bas on the exercise you are claiming you do. And by some of your responses you may have an eating disorder.

14

[quote]PGA200X wrote:
And by some of your responses you may have an eating disorder.[/quote]

Bingo.

15

I don’t think this guy is doing too badly, I just think he has a few bad assumptions, like that he will quickly lose fat and gain muscle and the effects will be really noticeable.

I just think you need to give it more time.

When you eat more and your fat increases quickly it is because you are in a bit of a starved state, so your body will think it should try and store fat any chance it gets. After awhile of eating more, regularly, your body will realise there is no famine and settle down.

It takes time.

Also if you want to double what you eat, you can’t do that overnight, your body has to get used to digesting all that food. That might take a few weeks to get used to, as well.

Losing fat isn’t a sprint it is a long distance type of thing, and it will/is happening.

Keep lifting and eat more, build up eating more steadily.

good luck

16

your making gains, and losing fat. youve only been training for a few monthes. you have nothing to worry about. this stuff takes time. it dosent happen in 3 monthes, be patient and eat right and lift hard.

17

Magarhe, thank you for your reply, you seem to understand my method here. I’m not going to jump from eating 1000 cals once a day of crap, to 3000 cals a day. Like I said slow and steady with the changes. To those who are so fast to spew their opinions and make assumptions, I have increased my calories when my body has told me I need to do so. I will continue to adjust my calories up if my body tells me I need to do so, no sooner no later.

Really what I am shooting for is about .75lbs a week of fast loss while maintaining my muscle. Maybe my post was a little to complicated for some people.

(I don’t mean to get sarcastic here but some of you seem to avoid answering question and spout off what you FEEL is correct for someone you’ve never met, seen work out, done blood work on, etc)

One of my very best friends is on the strength and conditioning team for the Detroit Lions, and works frequently with the Seattle Sea Hawks, has her masters in physiology (spelling?). She frequently monitors my progress, no offence but I’m sure she is more qualified then even the most fit of the people here. She would let me know if I was doing something detrimental to my health. She has a vested interest in keeping me healthy as she is my fuck buddy.

Under the advice of several people from this sight and other places, adding to my calories slowly and in a controlled manner was the best way to condition my body to getting more fuel. So Jesus Christ the fuck up about the food!

Soooo, again for the third time (sigh) is it possible to have a relatively balanced fat loss to muscle gain weight ratio, under these conditions? If you read over my original post it saaaaid:

“I suppose I could be gaining muscle and loosing fat at about an equal rate, but I don’t think I’m that lucky.”

MAIN POINT HERE IN PLAIN ENGLISH:
With my current diet, work out routine I expected my body fat loss to out way my muscle mass gains by far. Thus a greater reduction of the numbers on the scale; if I actually am packing on muscle at a rate faster then what I expected well that a bonus. This was just not expected considering the caloric debt that I’m in and my heavy cardio.

Any one else here an “easy gainer” who has packed on muscle while trying to drop fat? If so could you match your BF loss with muscle gains, there for nulling out scale changes?

18

I honestly think he started this thread just so he could get a personal response from Prof X. What a troll.

19

[quote]Smack78 wrote:

MAIN POINT HERE IN PLAIN ENGLISH:
With my current diet, work out routine I expected my body fat loss to out way my muscle mass gains by far. Thus a greater reduction of the numbers on the scale; if I actually am packing on muscle at a rate faster then what I expected well that a bonus. This was just not expected considering the caloric debt that I’m in and my heavy cardio.

Any one else here an “easy gainer” who has packed on muscle while trying to drop fat? If so could you match your BF loss with muscle gains, there for nulling out scale changes?
[/quote]

You seem to be skipping right over what several people have told you because you think you already know. If you already know, why are you asking questions? You are a BEGINNER. It is not odd for an untrained person to jump in the weight room and have their body respond by adding muscle (due to you not doing shit before) and losing body fat. This does not last forever, and as several people have pointed out to you, if you are doing so much cardio that you are basically burning HALF of your total daily food intake everyday, eventually your metabolism will slow down even further. That is the way it works. You can tell your fuck buddy the same thing. With your caloric intake that low and your cardio that much, your metabolism will not increase over the long term. Your body is not interested in whether you look like a magazine cover model. It will think you are starving and will eventually slow your metabolism down so that you hold onto more body fat.

However, clearly you and your fuck buddy already know this and you will log back on to tell everyone how you are doing the right thing…so fucking do it. Why ask questions and then get pissed at the answers? Quit asking questions.

20

Ignore all of the generic “Dood u like totally needz ta eet more, u r like starving youself!”

How much do you weigh? If you only weigh around 60kgs (approx 135lb for those who can’t understand metric) eating around 2,000 cals is probably enough.

I can’t believe that anyone is stupid enough to offer an opinion on your approximate caloric expenditure without knowing your weight. That is the main factor in determining BMR.