looking in the mirror?

[dabears8273]

Is the best time to stop cutting based off of your bodyfat %, or is a better guage what you see in the mirror?

[PatrickG19]

you'll know when you are shredded sure you can look in the mirror or measure your bf% but it depends on what your goal is. If you are dieting for a show then you are going to want to be really low bf% and it is probably best to have someone who knows what they are doing tell you if you are on the right path or are lean enough. If you are doing a cut just to lean out and have abs then that's something you can probably use the mirror for and gauge yourself.

[dabears8273]

you'll know when you are shredded sure you can look in the mirror or measure your bf% but it depends on what your goal is. If you are dieting for a show then you are going to want to be really low bf% and it is probably best to have someone who knows what they are doing tell you if you are on the right path or are lean enough. If you are doing a cut just to lean out and have abs then that's something you can probably use the mirror for and gauge yourself.

I would love to do a show someday. My goal right now is just to lean down, I can barely see my abs right now. I know I need to keep cutting.

[pshickey]

The mirror is a great tool. I'm in the middle of prep, my weight loss has slowed, but looking at weekly update pictures I'm definitely getting leaner, so I'm keeping macros the same for now. I also agree with getting a coach or somebody that knows what they are doing, definitely a good idea for your first show.

[NoXplode15]

Go by the mirror man, that never lies...Go in at the best shape you can. Just remember Bf% is just a number just like weight. Don't let it freak you out.

[PatrickG19]

I would love to do a show someday. My goal right now is just to lean down, I can barely see my abs right now. I know I need to keep cutting.

Awesome! my advice if you are planning on doing a show eventually, would be keep cutting till you are satisfied then slowly reverse out of your cut until you are able to reach your bulking macros. Good luck with your goals!

[Barn01]

Seriously don't use either.

BF% is subjective and just used to make you feel good about yourself
Mirror lies because you're looking at something in real time when you're super critical of yourself and there is nothing to directly compare yourself to. Everyone looks good when there nobody else beside them

Solution.
Take pics and or vids of yourself during your cut. You'll be able to compare with past winners and what you see becomes an image like any other and you can assess more honestly if you're ready or not.