Lose all the weight/fat, then bulk up? Or mix it up (periodize)?

[fliprock]

Hi all,

Like the title asks, is it better/more efficient to focus on burning fat initially, hitting some kind of target THEN putting on lean muscle mass (i.e. all in one shot deals), or to periodize the process of hitting the END goal by say going one month cutting, one month gaining.

I'm just looking for the most efficient method to get to the same sort of end goal. Any replies would be appreciated.

 

[Steve]

Hi all,

Like the title asks, is it better/more efficient to focus on burning fat initially, hitting some kind of target THEN putting on lean muscle mass (i.e. all in one shot deals),

Putting on muscle while dieting is unlikely as dieting requires a caloric deficit and building muscle requires a caloric surplus.

This above answer DOES NOT mean that you shouldn't lift while losing weight though.

or to periodize the process of hitting the END goal by say going one month cutting, one month gaining.

No, that is not the most effective route. Can I ask your stats?

 

[fliprock]

Putting on muscle while dieting is unlikely as dieting requires a caloric deficit and building muscle requires a caloric surplus.

This above answer DOES NOT mean that you shouldn't lift while losing weight though.

I realize that, hence my question. I was just not sure I liked the idea of the possibility that when I lost some weight, I would look more scrawny than I'd like. If I could mix up periods of fat loss with periods of muscle gain, then that problem would be less of a concern. If that method was more efficient, all the better.

No, that is not the most effective route. Can I ask your stats?

Male, 24, 5'8", 170lbs.

 

[Steve]

I realize that, hence my question. I was just not sure I liked the idea of the possibility that when I lost some weight, I would look more scrawny than I'd like. If I could mix up periods of fat loss with periods of muscle gain, then that problem would be less of a concern. If that method was more efficient, all the better.

It would simply slow the process.

Best bet is to lift heavy weights using a properly constructed program while dieting in order to maintain as much of the muscle you can.

Once you reach a level of leanness you are content with, decide if you want to bulk up from there or not.

 

[fliprock]

Cool, thanks for the responses. Not what I was hoping for but it makes sense considering the conflicting goals.

 

[Steve]

Cool, thanks for the responses. Not what I was hoping for but it makes sense considering the conflicting goals.

Yea, having the best of both worlds isn't something us 'geneticly average' are capable of. At least not effectively and/or efficiently.

You could certainly do it, but I would be willing to bet you'd experience faster success doing what I said above.

If you ever want to try the 'concurrent' route, look into something like Lyle McDonald's, "Ultimate Diet 2.0".