Time for reality check

[piyudwi88]

Hey guys,

I've been cutting for 7 weeks now and am now at 177.5 lbs from 184lbs. My handheld device tells me I'm 15.5% (which is total bs) and the scale tells me I'm 16.5%. Can you guys give me an idea what might % might be? I'm sorry I've *tried to* flex in this one. This is from last week.

Been eating 2150 cals with 200P/70F/150-170C. Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

[unplugged]

Still around 18-20 imo

[piyudwi88]

Still around 18-20 imo

So, the 6.5-7 lbs I lost is all muscle and water weight? Like I said, I don't think I look very different, especially the front part of my body. I do see some changes on my back though.

[unplugged]

So, the 6.5-7 lbs I lost is all muscle and water weight? Like I said, I don't think I look very different, especially the front part of my body. I do see some changes on my back though.

I am sure it`s not all muscle or water but it`s hard to tell without seeing a before pic. Based on that pic id say you are atleast 17-18% tho although again it`s hard to tell since you don`t look to have much muscle

[martoch]

You lifting, brah?

[skk5076]

Id say of that pic 16-17, but with those things use one, use it at the same time each time. Take that number and just get it lower even if you feel it isnt a 100%

[piyudwi88]

I am sure it`s not all muscle or water but it`s hard to tell without seeing a before pic. Based on that pic id say you are atleast 17-18% tho although again it`s hard to tell since you don`t look to have much muscle

Updated to include the before pic. Have I been cutting wrong? I've been in calorie deficit and having about 200 gms of protein, 70-75 gms and rest carbs for 2150 cals.

[piyudwi88]

You lifting, brah?

Thanks man... That helps a lot. I'm still pretty new. But, I'll be good in a couple of years and answer your question then.

[piyudwi88]

Id say of that pic 16-17, but with those things use one, use it at the same time each time. Take that number and just get it lower even if you feel it isnt a 100%

I always use them in the morning right after I wake up.
The weighing scale shows 16.4% and the handheld device shows 15.5%. Don't trust the latter because its always been wrong. Showed a super skinny friend of mine to be 30% bf. Waste of $30. The weighing scale has been consistent (wrong or right, I dont know)

[skk5076]

I always use them in the morning right after I wake up.
The weighing scale shows 16.4% and the handheld device shows 15.5%. Don't trust the latter because its always been wrong. Showed a super skinny friend of mine to be 30% bf. Waste of $30. The weighing scale has been consistent (wrong or right, I dont know)

If you have something that is consistent get a number and worry about lowering it. Also a lot of people will say track progress in the mirror, which I agree.

[piyudwi88]

If you have something that is consistent get a number and worry about lowering it. Also a lot of people will say track progress in the mirror, which I agree.

Hmm... I do see some change. Maybe I'm just expecting too much from the mirror because I've lost 6.5-7 lbs. Thanks for the help

[Gainsters]

its yeah like 18-20, first , if started you will lose some mass immediatelly (in few days), becouse your stomach will use all left food and it will get empty. I'd advice to keep cutting till you get 10-12% (healthy percentage) and just start building lean mass, you will look lean all the time, so its more motivational.

[piyudwi88]

its yeah like 18-20, first , if started you will lose some mass immediatelly (in few days), becouse your stomach will use all left food and it will get empty. I'd advice to keep cutting till you get 10-12% (healthy percentage) and just start building lean mass, you will look lean all the time, so its more motivational.

Wouldn't I end up too light if I shot for 10-12% if I'm currently 18% (at best) with 177.5 lbs? I don't mind becoming 162 lbs or so as long as I have anywhere near the definition some of you guys around here possess..

But, just want to get thoughts from people who've already done this rather than try and be an expert myself.

[Gainsters]

Well, I started from 154lb with like 2-3k calories in training days , less in off-days for year and got decent progress. Its more motivational , when you start pretty skinny, its easier to see gains. Yeah, being light is bad tho, but in my opinion, getting 10-12% and then building lean mass is the best , as you always feel good about physique, see gains, and no worries for shredding before summer as you're shredded already.

[piyudwi88]

Well, I started from 154lb with like 2-3k calories in training days , less in off-days for year and got decent progress. Its more motivational , when you start pretty skinny, its easier to see gains. Yeah, being light is bad tho, but in my opinion, getting 10-12% and then building lean mass is the best , as you always feel good about physique, see gains, and no worries for shredding before summer as you're shredded already.

Great... Thanks again, man! Cheers

[unplugged]

Well, I started from 154lb with like 2-3k calories in training days , less in off-days for year and got decent progress. Its more motivational , when you start pretty skinny, its easier to see gains. Yeah, being light is bad tho, but in my opinion, getting 10-12% and then building lean mass is the best , as you always feel good about physique, see gains, and no worries for shredding before summer as you're shredded already.

I agree that when your lean you can assess gains better but being light isn't necessarily bad aesthetics/bodybuilding wise as its mostly about illusions i find. I am 5'9.5 and about 185 right now as i am cutting. On paper 185 is pretty light but most people think I am 200 and above

[piyudwi88]

I agree that when your lean you can assess gains better but being light isn't necessarily bad aesthetics/bodybuilding wise as its mostly about illusions i find. I am 5'9.5 and about 185 right now as i am cutting. On paper 185 is pretty light but most people think I am 200 and above

Aaah... Got it... I'm 6'1" and was thinking if cutting down to 160-165lbs (from the current 177.5 lbs) would make me look too skinny. But, you guys are right.. I'll be able to get a proper bulk going - my last bulk helped me get to 190 lbs. But, I looked disgusting because of my belly popping out.

Having said all this, I'll be super honest - I didn't track my macros or follow a diet honestly enough until about a month back. It was all "mind based estimations" before that. Although I have been training sincerely for the past 6-7 months.

[StriveForHonor]

I would strongly discourage anyone from using any type of bioelectric impedance calculator if you want an accurate body fat measurement. I would even say calipers are more effective, but ideally, the most accurate is getting a DEXA scan, if you have $100 to shell out, that is!

I'd say give or take 17%

Good luck!

[piyudwi88]

I would strongly discourage anyone from using any type of bioelectric impedance calculator if you want an accurate body fat measurement.

I totally agree. Wasted my $30 like I said before. No one should ever buy that crap.

I would even say calipers are more effective, but ideally, the most accurate is getting a DEXA scan, if you have $100 to shell out, that is!

Just ordered one today.

I'd say give or take 17%

Good luck!

I'll take the 17%. Pretty sure I'm not 19-20% anymore unless all I've lost is muscle and water worth 7lbs. Thanks man!