Choosing Oneįor fat loss to occur to any substantial degree, a significant enough caloric deficit must be created.
However for those that have been training for, let’s say 6+ months or so, it becomes less and less likely that muscle growth will occur along with fat loss. One other circumstance where both may occur is during the first weeks of a diet optimization of clients that could benefit from a better macronutrient breakdown or improved nutrient timing around workouts. This will help you make significant improvements in either area.įor untrained athletes that are just getting into a proper IIFYM diet plan and training consistently, or an athlete that has taken several months/years off and gotten back into a consistent routine- it can be possible to lose fat and gain muscle at the same time through the considerably new stimulus the reestablished program can produce, and the myonuclei created during past resistance training (1,2). In general, it’s necessary to either choose fat loss or muscle growth to focus on in a given time period, not both simultaneously. The first realization that should be considered is the principle of specificity in terms of body composition goals.
The IIFYM calculator can be a great place to start, but tools like this are useless until you decide whether your current destination is Shredzville or Gainzville.
It’s time such a common question is answered once and for all so you can decide the option best suited for you.
Low reps or high reps? Free weights or machine? IIFYM or Clean Eating? All of these questions pale in comparison to how often I’m asked whether it’s time to start cutting fat or bulking by athletes I consult.