Introduction
In this article we will discuss cutting, something bodybuilders often use, when getting ready for competition, but is also used by other people who want to look good shirtless. Let’s dig in a bit deeper.
What Is Cutting?
Cutting is a process of losing weight while keeping as much muscle mass as possible, aiming only for fat loss. The goal is to significantly reduce body fat levels, which will result in better defined muscles and a more “shredded” look.
The bulking and cutting process is an old-school method of bodybuilding. Advanced lifters and bodybuilders can’t just keep adding weight to the bar and muscle to their frame while doing the same old workout and having the same diet. Instead, they opt for a period of heavy eating and training, or bulking, followed by a period of reduced calories and more cardio while using less weights, or cutting.
How To Cut?
To lose weight, you have to reduce the number of calories you eat and to increase your activity levels (cardio). While this is simple, it is a bit easier said than done.
While crash diets will rapidly drop weight, the trouble with them is that they are too drastic, which will result in muscle loss. Remember, we want to lose fat while keeping as much muscle as possible.
Protein Is Your Friend
To do that, you need an efficient, but not too radical approach. You want to take away 20% of your daily calories, not more than that.
You also want to make sure you predominantly reduce carbs, or fats, while keeping the protein sources. Protein is essential for preserving and maintaining muscle, and if you don’t have enough of it while dieting, your body will start breaking down your muscles to get it. That is something you want to avoid, as you worked hard building those muscles all winter.
Don’t Skip Cardio
While you can lose fat only by dieting, it is a good idea to include cardio. This will speed up the fat burning process, and make your diet a bit easier. Just make sure to calculate accurately how many calories you burn, you want your cardio to fit within that 20 %. And don’t use your treadmill as an excuse to overeat after it!
Drop The Weight
As for the training, you will have to reduce the loads and increase the reps. This is natural, and you won’t feel as strong as you use to be. And you won’t be as strong, more bodyweight means different leverages, and you can expect your bar weight to slightly drop while cutting, and you might feel less energized. So more reps, lighter weights, shorter breaks, and you will see that gut disappearing.
Do I Need To Cut?
While bulking is mostly reserved for bodybuilders and people who are underweight, cutting is more for the masses. First, we have an obesity epidemics, and many of us could use to lose a few pounds. Second, reducing your weight usually has many health benefits, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t work on showing those abs.
Conclusion
At FitAndPshyched, we are not that much into bulking/cutting; our goal is to make you look good all year long. We will create a custom workout and nutrition plan just for you. Our team of personal trainers is located in West Palm Beach, ready and waiting for you to join us, and start your fitness journey the right way.
