Body Composition...

[ghoniba]

Hey Gang:

I understand that if one eats more than they burn off then they will gain.
If one burns off more than they eat, they will lose weight and one maintains their weight if they eat exactly what they burn off. I am assuming that one is lifting weights and a good diet is eaten.

I am wondering though, how does one become ripped looking? If I eat less to burn off the fat will I not lose muscle as well? ideally I would like to gain a little bulk, but have a ripped look. What would be the ideal caloric balance to satisfy both? Is there one? The big name body builders have both the bulk and the low bodyfat %

If I eat to balance out my caloric intake/output and I lift weights will I eventually burn off the fat and add the muscle? Am I kidding myself?

Thanks, Glenn

[AndrewH]

we have a bulk cycle, and a cutting cycle. if you want to gain a little bulk, then eat heavier. Once you're satisfied, eat a little less, do more cardio and you should be set. I personally have not seen anyone stay "ripped" while bulking, unless you're an ectomorph, and stay with low BF all the dang time!

[Blaze]

Those dumb ectomorphs...Im so jealous. AH


Anywayz. Technically, it IS possible to bulk and stay cut at the same time. It's just so dang hard it's basically not worth it. It requires a time elapsed diet schedule, with a certain amount of nutrients of everything you need, at the exact right time. And you'll have to monitor all your acitivy levels to a T. As I said, it's really stinkin hard.

[ghoniba]

Thank you both. I guess I ask because I wonder how these guys on the covers of some of these magazines remain in a ripped state. Men's Health comes to mind where these guys aren' that huge, but have a good build and look pretty ripped. I can't imagine that they have to bulk and then cut as I am sure they are called upon at any given time to show up and look good.

OK, how about his question then. If one basically eats what they burn up each day so there aren't calories in the plus or minus range and one continues to work out with weights and some cardio, will the fat not eventually be used up and 'replaced' with muscle?

Glenn

[Lady C]

Well in theory, maybe. But the body is really smart and adapts easily to new routines. I would try cycling your carbs. High carbs on weight training days, low carbs on aerobic days, a day or two with almost no carbs and carb up days. This will keep the body guessing do I gain, do I lose or should I stay the same.