Trying to get below 10% bf

[Lookin4abs]

I am brand new to this site so this is my first post. I am struggling to get below 10% bf and get visible 6 pack. I can cut to a point where I begin to see them but worry that I'm losing too much muscle so I start to bulk a bit again. Feel like I'm stuck in a loop. You might have a better idea by looking at my pict but I think I'm 12-14% bf now. Any advice would be appreciated.

[ntrllftr]

For each % of bodyfat lost the smaller measurements will get. It is the nature of the beast! Nothing you or anyone can do about it. Choose a goal and stick with it for a while instead of doing the rollercoaster ride.

[reamade]

For each % of bodyfat lost the smaller measurements will get. It is the nature of the beast! Nothing you or anyone can do about it. Choose a goal and stick with it for a while instead of doing the rollercoaster ride.

Words of wisdom from an old friend.

[ironwill2008]

I am brand new to this site so this is my first post. I am struggling to get below 10% bf and get visible 6 pack. I can cut to a point where I begin to see them but worry that I'm losing too much muscle so I start to bulk a bit again. Feel like I'm stuck in a loop. You might have a better idea by looking at my pict but I think I'm 12-14% bf now. Any advice would be appreciated.

At 5'9" and 160, you're going to look downright skinny if you drop to less than 10% body fat at this time. If that's the goal you're after, so be it.

If you want to do it right, train and eat to add another 20-25 pounds of muscle to your frame, and then consider a bodybuilding cut.


Again, your goals--your choice.

[JerryB]

At 5'9" and 160, you're going to look downright skinny if you drop to less than 10% body fat at this time. If that's the goal you're after, so be it.

If you want to do it right, train and eat to add another 20-25 pounds of muscle to your frame, and then consider a bodybuilding cut.


Again, your goals--your choice.

Agree with the about

[Lookin4abs]

At 5'9" and 160, you're going to look downright skinny if you drop to less than 10% body fat at this time. If that's the goal you're after, so be it.

If you want to do it right, train and eat to add another 20-25 pounds of muscle to your frame, and then consider a bodybuilding cut.


Again, your goals--your choice.

I tend to agree. That's my dilemma...but when I started this last cut I was at 182 pounds so I kinda did what u said. It's just this last bit of fat I want off before bulking again. I'm hoping to start bulking at end of Aug and take it up to the 185+ range.

[SkydogGinsberg]

I tend to agree. That's my dilemma...but when I started this last cut I was at 182 pounds so I kinda did what u said. It's just this last bit of fat I want off before bulking again. I'm hoping to start bulking at end of Aug and take it up to the 185+ range.

The infamous "Last Little Bit" is a dilemma not worth addressing when you're already at a level of leanness to start progressing again. Ab concerns right now is a bit like polishing the car paint while it's still on the assembly line. You're just gonna cover them again shortly. FWIW, a few yrs ago, our stats nearly matched and I took the 160 down to mid-150s. LBM loss accelerated, which I had to put back on anyway -- non-productive.

Also, the "Big Bulk/Big Cut" strategy might work for some, but it's easy to overshoot/underestimate target goals when they're further away from the mean. You might find it less of a dilemma to use smaller phases, such as gaining 8-9 over 3 months, take off 3-4 over 1 month, recycle. After several cycles, you'll still be in the 180-ish zone, with a clearer picture of what's developing and less fat as a "big task".

[Paulie_G]

I know it's kind of hard to tell, based on the pic in your bodyspace, but you don't look like 12-14%. I'm thinking 16-17%.

[Lookin4abs]

I know it's kind of hard to tell, based on the pic in your bodyspace, but you don't look like 12-14%. I'm thinking 16-17%.

I think you are correct. That photo was on July 1 at about 170 lbs. I've dropped 10 pounds since and don't have a more current photo up yet. I was kind of hoping to hear that comment because I think it reaffirms where I think I am now.