Fat loss or build muscle?

[bubtub]

Hi everyone, I have been doing a bit of research on bb and am in a bit confused about which approach I should be taking.

Currently, 120lbs & 21%bf - goal 120lbs (or thereabouts, not too fussed) and btw 15-12%bf.

Should I initially be focussing on reducing my bf% or building my lean muscle mass?

Apologies in advance if this has been answered elsewhere, did do a search & couldn't find.

Thanking all

[freebirdmac]

I go for the muscle. Do a 3-4 month period of focusing on muscle, then reevaluate. More lean muscle will help with fat loss and you'll look better through the process.

[sexyargentina]

I was at the same stats as you. I focused first on weight loss, and when I get to 12%, I didn't have the muscle that I wanted. So, my advice, focus on muscle and then lose fat. It will be a lot easier.

[kimm4]

Originally Posted by bubtub

Hi everyone, I have been doing a bit of research on bb and am in a bit confused about which approach I should be taking.

Currently, 120lbs & 21%bf - goal 120lbs (or thereabouts, not too fussed) and btw 15-12%bf.

Should I initially be focussing on reducing my bf% or building my lean muscle mass?

Apologies in advance if this has been answered elsewhere, did do a search & couldn't find.

Thanking all

It makes absolutely no sense to bulk when you have bodyfat to lose. So many people on this board do this bulking and cutting and I just don't get it? When you bulk you're adding more fat to what you already have. Then you need to bust your a$$ even harder to lose it...why would anyone want to do that?

People need to understand that you can lose bodyfat and gain lean muscle in the process. Get your calories on track, lift heavy and don't kill yourself with cardio...it can absolutely be done

Best of luck to you girl, you can do it!!

[DollFace36]

I agree with Kimm4, you should get your diet in check first, that is 80% of what you do, and like she said, you will gain lean muscle while burning fat, all I can say is have fun with it and be creative with your cardio! Good Luck!

[Mindi911]

Originally Posted by kimm4

It makes absolutely no sense to bulk when you have bodyfat to lose. So many people on this board do this bulking and cutting and I just don't get it? When you bulk you're adding more fat to what you already have. Then you need to bust your a$$ even harder to lose it...why would anyone want to do that?

People need to understand that you can lose bodyfat and gain lean muscle in the process. Get your calories on track, lift heavy and don't kill yourself with cardio...it can absolutely be done

Best of luck to you girl, you can do it!!

Absolutely 100 % agreed with this post

It's hard to lose fat when you've put some on in your bulk on top of what you've got

Why do that to yourself, not only that think about it when you are just starting off you want to see progress to keep yourself motivated if you do a bulk you won't look lean at all and you might lose motivation to continue.

Cut the fat first whilst building lean muscle then add some bulk if you want to.

[LoveCode3]

Hi Ladies. Does this mean that we should eat (in calories) above maintenance, at maintenance or slightly below maintenance to lose fat AND build muscle?

[freebirdmac]

Don't get me wrong, when I say focusing on muscle. I don't mean the traditional bulk where you can gain too much unwanted fat. I simply mean putting one in priority over the other. If you focus on muscle then your eating, lifting routine, cardio habits, are all structured to protect the muscles you have while trying to grow more. Fat loss may or may not occur. If you focus on leaning up, then your eating, lifting routine, cardio habits, are all structured for dropping body fat. Muscle gains/losses may or may not occur. It's a matter of picking one, dialing everything in to achieve your goal, but accepting that the other may not proceed.

Even when trying to do muscle gain/body fat loss at the same time you have to prioritize one or you may go nowhere. Muscle building and fat loss is so dynamic because of the body's ability to adapt that periodic adjustments have to be made. Where to make those adjustments is tough when you can't put one ahead of the other.

[kimm4]

when my main goal is to lose fat i go below maintenance...the calories below maintenance varies for me depending on how much fat i need to lose and how much time i've given myself to reach that goal. (which for me is getting on stage)

the key is to keep the protein high. protein is the key for adding and holding onto lean muscle. also protein like chicken, turkey, egg whites and tuna have traces of fat...so if you want to increase calories do it by adding more protein.

hope this helps.

[bachovas]

Don't do either one. Traditional bulking are cutting are both outdated and not very smart nowadays.

You are relatively new to training and dieting, so just focus on eating clean and working out hard and smart. Reassess after a 3-4 months.

[bubtub]

Thanks for the advise sexyargentina, your back looks gr8! :-)

[bubtub]

thanks kimm4, i think that i will direct my focus this way. I respect your advice, just look at your results! You look absolutely fabulous! Thank you also for the encouragement. :-)

[bubtub]

Thanks also mindi911, great guns! :-)

[bubtub]

thanks to you all for taking the time to help me, you ladies are all very inspirational! I look forward to posting some new pics in the near future and having some muscle definition too! Thanks ladies and guys.