Getting started...again

[AirJordan613]

I've been lifting on and off for several years now and am just starting from another "off phase." I've been totally into lifting but fraternity pledging last semester took over my life and kept me from the gym. I lost a lot of muscle mass and put on unwanted body fat. I'm 5'9" currently about 168lbs. What is your advice for getting my body back into good shape again. I recently started a slight calorie deficit, taking in 2000 per day where maintenance is about 2500. I'm lifting 3-4 days a week and just started taking creatine monohydrate. I'm trying to lean out, gain definition and put on substantial muscle mass. I've had good muscle mass in the past but never seemed to have bodyfat quite right. What is your advice? Thanks in advance.

[AirJordan613]

Bump. I think I've got the right ideas but am interested in hearing the advice of others.

[oojackoo]

Personally I would keep my calories high or on maintenance to fuel your muscles and help with repair but if you are looking to lean out a bit then maybe add in some AM cardio or post workout cardio if possible to keep body fat low/cut down.

Thats my personally opinion.

[strengthgained]

Personally I would keep my calories high or on maintenance to fuel your muscles and help with repair but if you are looking to lean out a bit then maybe add in some AM cardio or post workout cardio if possible to keep body fat low/cut down.

Thats my personally opinion.

Cardio doesn't keep body fat low

[Orangemorris]

Cardio doesn't keep body fat low

Agree. It is all your nutrition. Cardio has benefits for your cardiovascular system.
Other than that, cardio especially if you're wanting to add muscule...
Cardio is just a way to eat a ton more above maintenance calories needed per day.
So unless you're older than 25.. Your metabolism and nutrition does all the work. No need really for cardio end of it.