Some confusion about muscle gain...

J

jedwards16

New member
I asked this in the newcomers section but didnt get a direct answer so I figured Id ask on here.

Everywhere Im reading, it states that if you want to gain muscle, youll want to be in a calorie surplus rather than a calorie deficit. Consume more than you burn and your body will turn that to muscle.

I still plan on losing another 40-50 lbs on top of what Ive already lost. As I go that route, I want to add some muscle so that when I hit my goal Im not just an empty sack of skin and bones.

Im not going for the huge look. I want to be toned, I want to have muscular arms, legs, abs. I want to strengthen my stomach, shoulders, and back.

Is it possible to still gain some muscle effectively while still being in a calorie deficit?

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Nope.

If you're completely untrained, genetically inclined and/or carrying a good bit of fat, there's a nice chance you'll add some muscle to what you have now.

But it won't be too appreciable if you do and it certainly won't be long lived.

Keep in mind though, that you're not going to be a bag of bones and skin if you do your best to preserve muscle while dieting. And that means lifting weights appropriately and eating adequate amounts of protein.
 
Thanks for the speedy response.

I guess nows a good time as any to start tacking on some weight training and getting more protein.

Would it be a bad idea to weight train in the morning, do cardio at night....or is it more beneficial to devote certain days to weights, certain to cardio?
 
It doesn't really matter when you train, to be honest. Whatever fits best with your schedule. You don't need to be hitting the weights each day. 2-3 times per week using a full body routine is plenty.
 
Thanks again.

When I finally lose my last 50 lbs, what would be a good way to start building a calorie surplus while still maintaing a healthy diet? To be honest, being in a calorie deficit for these past 7 months, Im not sure I know how to go back to a calorie surplus.

Right now, Im eating a lot of whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean meats like chicken and turkey.

Sorry for so many questions but. the more I think about this, the more I come up with.
 
To be honest, I'd cross that bridge when you get there. This is very much a touch & feel process. No point planning so far ahead if you ask me.
 
Anytime. If you have the time, I highly suggest reading the stickies on this forum and my forum. I think you'll be much more comfortable with what you're doing if you have that knowledge backing you.
 
Definitely.

Im starting to take what Im learning here and comparing to what Ive read elsewhere and am coming to trust the information spread about these forums more than others. Everything is very straight and to the point.

A lot of the experts here are very blunt as well. Ive noticed with your posts in particular that youre very "real" (for lack of a better word) about the way you give advice. It doesnt come across as some kind of lame self help guru but rather as straight, useful advice.

Anyways, Im not sure what the point of this post was other than to say that I appreciate what you guys are doing. Ill spend my night reading up in more of the stickies and try to get a better understanding of all this. Its a lot to take in but Ill be better off because of it.
 
It is a lot. And I appreciate your appreciation, lol. :)

But there's no secrets or gimmicks here. Nothing is earth shattering. So take your time and do some research. When you come across something you'd like clarification on, just ask.
 
Again, its appreciated.

My stationary bike has several resistance levels on it. I know some of the higher ones can be pretty rough. Ive upped them before to get a better workout and would feel a burn similar to what youd get from just straight out weight training. Would using the higher resistance levels on this bike be a viable option to help maintain the muscle in my legs?

I just came across the nice sticky here about HIIT. Ive been thinking of giving this a shot and this thread is exactly what Ive been looking for.
 
Depending on your body composition, I would be wary of too high of a resistance on a bike.. I did spin classes for a while and ended up with very bulky thighs and calves.. not a good look for a pear shaped lady such as myself!
 
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