Impasse
Well, here I am at 180 pounds. I started in the high 160s, and it seemed like a lot of weight to put on for someone who has never actively tried to put on (or shed) weight. As anyone who has done this before would probably expect, it was not a straight, linear shot. Bodyspace has been a great tool, both in terms of a way to track the weight with a chart and view progress pictures, and from the people who have chimed in here and there with some encouragement. So now the big question . . . do I keep going?
Originally, my plan was to get to 180 and then drop back to the low 170’s. Not far from where I started in terms of weight, but hopefully with more lean mass. Now, I’m not so sure. I’m still fitting into my pants (actually with less of tight squeeze then when I first hit 175), and I don’t feel quite as bulky around the middle as I thought I would. If getting to 180 and dropping to low 170’s might have a nice impact, how much better if I go from 185 to 175? On the other hand, I know I’m carrying at least a little more around the middle than when I started, and it’s tempting to get rid of it and then start all over again. What to do . . . what to do . . .
March 10, 2008 at 7:42 am
well, having been working with this decision for over a year, I will vote for - take a break from thinking about it, and just lift heavier. That’s right, just get used to the idea of lifting more. It will build muscle. also, read more on muscle building - become an expert. remember, BF% is a 2 part calculation the fat and the lean. work on building more of the lean for a while. this will alter the BF%. Do more rows, to build out the lats, this will shift the position of the middle body fat and maybe you’ll be satisfied with that. see where I am going? Just get bigger muscles before going to the next weight goal. Work on you eating. also, when lifting, take a break every few excercises and go do 3 min of cardio. Get you heart rate up so that you are burning fat while lifting. all problems are solved that way. it’s called HIIT training. you can read about that here on bodybuilding.com