4 Attachment(s)
Newbie: Am I taking the right path?
[I]TLDR[/I]:
[B]Height[/B]: 1.71m / 5'7''
[B]Weight[/B]: 75kg / 165.5 lbs
[B]Age[/B]: 19
[B]Bodyfat[/B]: 20-25% ? (pictures attached, unsure since waiting for skin-fold callipers to be delivered: any estimates greatly appreciated)
[B]Daily intake with a 747 caloric deficit = 1729 calories per day[/B] [assuming my TDEE = 2076 (sedentary lifestyle) + 400 (exercise: 3 days lifting (newbie), 4 days cardio)]
Temporary goal: 69kg / 152 lbs (meaning 0.67kg / 1.5lbs lost per week over 9 weeks)
What are your thoughts?
Many thanks! :D
[I]Long version[/I]:
Hi, until now I have gradually lost 15kg / 33 lbs over a course of about a year (hopefully the majority of that was bodyfat) by increasing my energy expenditure (some bodyweight exercises such as pushups, and occasional light cardio) and reduced my daily intake slightly. I have attached images of my current self (relaxed, no flexing). I am not sure of my bodyfat percentage but after a comparison with other images, I am guessing 20-25%. Any opinions here would be greatly appreciated!
Now, I've decided to plan things out more methodically, speed up the process and hope to begin weight training as well. I have a few questions about how to go about this:
1) How long should I continue cutting before I consider maintaining or bulking? (I am worried that all that will left of me is skin and bone down the road - when I stretch my body, I can clearly see my ribcage now.)
2) If I continue, should I keep on going at a gradual rate as before, or can I speed things up as outlined above? (I am worried about loss of the muscle that I do have. Some sources I have read say: never go beyond 20% TDEE reduction, or never go below 1200 calories daily, or 1000 caloric deficit maximum.)
3) Is it ok to start some weight training, or should I just continue with bodyweight exercises and cardio? (I've read through many threads that beginners make significant gains when starting out. I am worried that I will waste these 'newbie' gains or worse, lose muscle, by starting weight training during this large caloric deficit. On the other hand, I have read that you have to have weight training so you maintain strength and muscle(?). Having done no training prior to this, how would I know if I am having a reduction in strength without having to experiment during this cut and risk losing muscle?)
4) In general, what is the best way forward?
[B]Diet details:[/B]
165g Protein, 167.5g Carbs, 37.5g Fat = 1668 calories daily
(Protein = 1g/lb bodyweight, Fat = 20% daily intake, Carbs = remainder)
One 427 calorie cheat meal a week.
Thanks in advance, and sorry if I have been too wordy! :D