Should I keep cutting or start building muscle

[Declansmith96]

Hi all,

I’ve posted new progress pictures.. I’ve gone from 240 - 189lbs (last august until now)

I’ve been mainly doing hyrox/CrossFit classes to lose the weight but my strength is terrible. Looking to gain muscle but still have body fat which I’m uncomfortable with. What’s the best plan going forward?


Thanks

[air2fakie]

I recommend doing a proper lifting program no matter which way you go, as your body would already look a lot better now after the weight loss. In general - when in doubt, maintain.

[tadpole25]

Height is a factor. 189 lbs is probably overweight if you're 5'6", but if you're 6'2", you might be in a good spot for a recomposition.

A lot of guys have less muscle mass and more fat than they think they do, so estimate your body composition conservatively. I don't know what your body looks like, but I'd probably cut 10-20 lbs before recomping.

[Declansmith96]

Height is a factor. 189 lbs is probably overweight if you're 5'6", but if you're 6'2", you might be in a good spot for a recomposition.

A lot of guys have less muscle mass and more fat than they think they do, so estimate your body composition conservatively. I don't know what your body looks like, but I'd probably cut 10-20 lbs before recomping.

I am 5ft 11.. as I have never done a proper lifting routine. Would it be possible to gain strength while at 500 cal deficit ? Or is maintenance better

[tadpole25]

If you're 5'11" and 190, and you've never done a proper lifting routine in your life, you're probably at least 25% bodyfat, maybe more.

You're probably not the same kind of 190 as someone who was lifting for a while and is at 18% bodyfat.

You could easily cut down to 18-20% bodyfat before recomping.

Either way, it will take a long time to reach your goal physique. If you cut now, worst case, you might build somewhat less muscle at first. If you do a body recomposition, it'll take much longer to lose fat. Either way, Pick your poison.