One Stone Down
I’ve seriously been neglecting this blog recently because I’ve just been so busy, but, I’m pleased to say my cutting phase is going very well so far. I’ve now brought myself down to 13 1/2 stone from 14 1/2 and can notice a fair difference in my body fat already - although I expect another stone to a stone and a half will really be the absolute proof.
Basically, all I’ve been doing is eating little, but often - and most days trying to eat protein regularly. I’ve also been enjoying biking, particularly on the odd day we get good weather here. (I’d forgotten how biking like a maniac for short bursts in a hard gear obliterates the legs…) I would estimate I’ll be satisfied with my body fat levels and re-start bulking when I get to around 12 stone - an entire stone less than when I first started, but with far less body fat - if hardly any.
Although I’ve been mixing my training up a little more, doing higher reps every now and then, and changing exercises, I’ve actually lost very little strength - if any at all. In fact, I’m still making progress in several lifts. I didn’t expect this to be the case. Also, surprisingly, I’ve lost very little size on my biceps - only 1/4 of an inch flexed so far, which I’m pleased about - and I’m starting to see some veins appearing again for the first time in ages, particularly in my forearms, which is a great sign.
As I mentioned in my previous post (although it was a while ago) I intend on taking a different approach to bulking in the future. When I began this time, I subscribed to the ‘forget the fat, you can lose that later’ approach like so many do, and in a sense, I’m wishing I hadn’t. The reason for this is, the fat I’ve put on during my bulk is going to take me around 2-3 months to lose. That is time, if I’d have taken things more steadily, I could’ve continued building muscle during, rather than having to stay static, and risk losing muscle whilst doing a big cut. Still, you live and you learn. There’s plenty I’m going to be doing differently next time around, and I’ll be telling you it all on here. I’ve got to say, I’m actually buzzing about it.
So, in the meantime, the cutting continues. And, so does my learning. I’ve got to tell you, I’m learning some pretty exciting new strategies, tips, and ideas I never even had a clue about before - and believe me, when the time is right, I’m gonna be trying and blogging about each of them.
The futures bright, the future’s Orange.
