Which routine for a cut?

[zrach]

So at this point in time, I've decided to prioritize losing fat over gaining muscle. I've read and been told that you can't lose fat and gain muscle at the same time. So I'm going to have to go on a caloric deficit if I want to do that. The problem is that most workout programs I've read is geared towards building muscle which means that they recommend caloric excess. So this is the part where I'm confused.

Is there a workout routine that's good to do on a cut? I think I'm due for a change in my workout routine anyway.

Thanks!

[illiniStrive]

A good routine for a cut is one that has you lifting hard and heavy enough to maintain muscle mass on a cut. A lot of people actually don't change their routine that much when they are cutting versus bulking. It's usually good to cut down on volume, and maybe cut back on some of the more "fluffy" exercises. Other than that a "muscle building routine" won't differ so much from a "muscle maintaining routine" (it might be better to think of it in that context versus a "cutting routine").

[MrB1g]

A strength routine.

Madcows or Advanced 5x5 is good.

[zrach]

A good routine for a cut is one that has you lifting hard and heavy enough to maintain muscle mass on a cut. A lot of people actually don't change their routine that much when they are cutting versus bulking. It's usually good to cut down on volume, and maybe cut back on some of the more "fluffy" exercises. Other than that a "muscle building routine" won't differ so much from a "muscle maintaining routine" (it might be better to think of it in that context versus a "cutting routine").

Oh, alright. Good to know :)

[zrach]

A strength routine.

Madcows or Advanced 5x5 is good.

I was just thinking about doing Madcows so thanks for this!

But wait, what about the progression on a cut? I won't be able to add weights weekly or will I?

[MrB1g]

I was just thinking about doing Madcows so thanks for this!

But wait, what about the progression on a cut? I won't be able to add weights weekly or will I?

You will be able to, yes. Strength isn't as dependent on a caloric surplus as hypertrophy (although it obviously helps!) especially not if you're a beginner (I don't know your experience level).

Just diet relatively slowly and adjust the progression if needed.

[gwnorth]

I've been dieting steadily for the past 10 months and my lifts have certainly progressed - but then that could be because I'm a newbie (relatively speaking).

[SilverSun]

I've been dieting steadily for the past 10 months and my lifts have certainly progressed - but then that could be because I'm a newbie (relatively speaking).

Very reassuring! I'm also planning to start a cut shortly like OP and thought at best I'd keep my lifts the same. To know they can still go up if I work for it is good news haha . Last time I've had to cut was to make a weight class, and strength wasn't so much a factor...

[thehobbes]

I don't change my program when on a cut, like others have said, maybe lower the volume a bit. Don't expect to go in and do some marathon squat sessions with 10 work sets or something. I've made some strength gains while cutting, keep your protein up and you'll be fine.