struggling

[gjhrn]

Hey guys I need help I am struggling to keep my weight steady at 145 since it is the off season I am 5'7" any suggestions, I had surgery in Oct 08 and just started cardio past 2 weeks, would like to compete in NPC pittsburgh May 09

[jumper11]

Stick with a modified version of your competition diet and allow yourself a free "meal" or free "day". Don't get off your nutrition plan completely. I'm not a cardio junkie, so I choose to do it 3-4 days/wk at 20-30min and reduce my carb intake when necessary...but keep your protein high. Best of luck to you.

[gjhrn]

Thanks Ms Lora I was getting ready to send an entry in for supplement sponsorship saw it on one of your posts is that still active?
I just started running this week so I will definately try to keep my protein high

[tkokayde]

Hey! I'm not sure if you compete in bb, figure or fitness, but don't forget the offseason requires some "bulking". This doesn't mean let it all hang out, but you will need to gain some bodyfat to get your muscles in growth mode. You should be fine where you're at, focusing on keeping your bodyfat in the mid-teens. Keep an eye on the scale, but also look at what your measurements are doing. Are you growing where you want to grow for next season? This sport is about bringing yourself in better for each show. It's so hard in the offseason to see the scale creep up, but it's so worth it when the fat comes off easier during contest prep!

[IronFigure]

Originally Posted by tkokayde

Hey! I'm not sure if you compete in bb, figure or fitness, but don't forget the offseason requires some "bulking". This doesn't mean let it all hang out, but you will need to gain some bodyfat to get your muscles in growth mode. You should be fine where you're at, focusing on keeping your bodyfat in the mid-teens. Keep an eye on the scale, but also look at what your measurements are doing. Are you growing where you want to grow for next season? This sport is about bringing yourself in better for each show. It's so hard in the offseason to see the scale creep up, but it's so worth it when the fat comes off easier during contest prep!

Great advice above! I too am 5'7" and currently 140-145 lbs and nearing the end of my bulk. I think you're just fine at that weight. As long as your following a modified cutting diet in excess of 200-500 cals, lifting heavy, and doing a bit of cardio you're end product should be better than last season We're not going to look contest ready all year, it's not healthy and if you want to gain significant muscle you won't look contest ready year-round. If you're cheating, perhaps eliminate 1 of those meals and add an extra 20 min cardio session somewhere into your routine.

[gjhrn]

Thanks I do feel better hearing you say that I have been keeping an eye on the scale, I will definately take your advice, I do NPC figure
thanks happy holidays