[RedThat]

Originally Posted by Silock

Just so you know, those aren't very accurate. There are simply too many factors that go into it, so I wouldn't rely on it.

Yeah thats what a lot of people say. Im considering an alternative route to measure bodyfat. I think Im gonna try under water weighing. I heard it's pretty good and accurate.

Originally Posted by Silock

What kind of lifting are you doing? Heavy weight with low reps, or low weight with high reps?

I do a little bit of everything. It varies from heavy lifting to moderate and light lifting. I always set 1 day aside and go completely heavy. My reps range from 5-8, but no more than 8. For heavy lifting I do 3 sets per exercise. My exercises are bench press, deadlifts, squats. Then on that particular day I superset between wide grip chins and pushups, and/also close grip chins and bench dips. For supersets I do 3 sets per exercise, and my reps range from 8-12. But I try not to do anymore than this because my muscles get really fatigued along the way. I mean it's really hard for me to push harder because Im so exhausted between the middle of this workout its not even funny. I pretty much max out.

Then 2 days later, mind you I take a day off in between, I do pyramid training. For example, I'll pick an exercise, say chest press. I'll start off w/ 12 reps for the 1st set, and rest 30-45 seconds, and go onto the 2nd set, lower the weight but increase the reps to 15...repeat the same thing again, except now we are going from 15 reps to 20 reps. On the pyramid training day, I superset as well w/ widegrip chins and wide grip pushups, and close grip chins and close grip pushups. My sets are the same like previous supersets. I do 3 sets per exercise and keep the reps between 8-12.

Day 3 and Day 4 are pretty much the same thing. I apply this very same training method. Also, to be specific...My lifting involves both compunded movements and isolated movements.

I'll be glad to explain my goals to you Silock. As of now, my goals are to either maintain my muscle or add a little more. but for this particular training regimen Im pre-cutting as well. Im trying to maintain density in the muscles and that is why I go heavy once a week, but Im also trying to cut up a bit, and not only cut up, but shape and sculp the body real well. So the heavy lifting will maintain muscle density, and the pyramid training will cut me a bit, and the isolated movements will help shape the muscles a bit more. The supersetting is to try and recruit those really stubborn muscle fibers to maximize muscle growth as much as possible.

Oh, and I also do dropsets, but only once a month. I know Im really hitting things hard and exhausting the muscles.

Originally Posted by Silock

I applaud your efforts and your math skills, but you are neglecting a few factors, the main one being that you can fluctuate in body weight up to 5-6 lbs per day on average. This could be any number of things. There are also many things that make up "lean body mass." There's muscle, bones, internal organs, water, skin, hair and internal fluid.

Thanks man..I hate math btw..lol but its an important part of the universe. Yes you're right lean body mass consists of muscle, bones, internal organs, water, skin, hair and internal fluid I remember that now it came back to me, but just didn't think of it, thanks for the memory refresher. So, the numbers could mean other things like internal fluid or possibly the body losing water?

Originally Posted by Silock

It may very well be true that you've lost strength, but that doesn't necessarily mean lost muscle mass. Maybe you're overtraining. That can cause strength loss, but not necessarily muscle loss. Your CNS is also largely responsible for the strength gains and losses one sees in a short amount of time.

It is nearly impossible to gain 1.5 lbs of muscle mass in one month, so why would you conclude that it's equally possible to lose that much one month as well, especially considering you're still weight training and giving the muscles the stimulus they need that tells your body NOT to burn the muscle

True...I think I could be overtraining that would best describe the strength loss for sure.

Originally Posted by Silock

That's about normal, but those numbers don't add up to 2 lbs of fat loss every week. Just thought I'd point that out since you're such a fan of numbers. Don't focus so much on them, because they can be VERY, VERY deceiving. I mean, shit, you still eat more than I do every day by about 600 calories.

Consider me caught up in the numbers game.

Originally Posted by Silock

I started a fitness blog. Take a look at the "About Me" page.

http://fitexcellence.com

In the top pictures, I weighed nearly 195 lbs.

In the bottom pictures, I weighed about 175. But looking at them, you'd think I was much, much bigger, or at least the same weight in the two instances. Numbers are VERY deceiving.

And that progress was made by doing FAR more lifting and cardio than you, but on less calories. I obviously gained quite a bit of muscle, even on a sub 1800 kcal diet.

Wow..Good job man. That's a heck of an accomplishment in your before and after photos. You look great! In the bottom pic you definately look a lot bigger. But the thing i find is, you couldn't tell that you're 175 in the bottom picture. Id say 185. in that sense, I agree with you, numbers can be deceiving like that but they do keep you on track though. that's what I like about them. I hope you understand sometimes its easy to get caught up in them. That's where I pretty much am. In the number rut right now lol

Originally Posted by Silock

I would say that lots of supersets is the reason for your strength loss. You cannot do supersets every workout and expect to be able to lift the same amount. Supersets are meant to fatigue the muscle, and overwork it to spur growth. And that's enough to tell your body to keep the muscle. However, failing on a lift sends negative feedback to your body, and that's what is getting sent when you superset. Negative feedback is bad for strength.

And as a side note, pumps might feel good, but are absolutely meaningless as far as muscle building and strength training go.

Totally agree. I'm experiencing this, and can relate to what you're saying.

Originally Posted by Silock

You need to relax! Stress only increases cortisol

lol I hear ya...It's a challenge. I try my best. Thats all I can ask for from myself.

Originally Posted by Silock

On 2000 calories per day? Not a CHANCE in Hell, dude. No way.

I think you're freaking out about nothing. Back off the supersets for a couple of weeks, and then only reintroduce them maybe once per week or once every two weeks. Your strength will return. Keep up the diet, because you're obviously losing weight. You'll get there. Don't worry so much.

Okay. Thanks for the tips and advice. Rep coming your way. Appreciate your feedback Silock.