What to do when happy with physique?

divie · 24-02-2005, 06:16 PM

I have reached my original goals already, ie bench pressing double the weight from what i started at and gaining a couple of stone.Im happy with my physique but i dont know what i should be doing now.I was originally 10 half stone at 6ft2, now im 12stone6 so i haven't put on enougth to warrent me cutting in as ive maintained my low body fat and flat stomache, ive worked my stomache hard recently to get my 6 pack just visable.As i dont want to bulk up any more what can i do?.I still want to weight train as i enjoy getting stronger and looking fitter, what does everyone do once they are cut up with regards to diet aswell as weight liffting?Once cut up is that it?I dont know if i should drop my calorie intake to stop weight gain but if i do that my weight training is going to be affected.

Comando Tom · 24-02-2005, 06:19 PM

A bit of common sense, If you happy how you are, carry on what you are doing to stay that way.

Got some pics?

zx9rjas · 24-02-2005, 08:03 PM

Yes mate, its not a dead end. If you are truely happy with how you are and want to maintain stick to it.

Dont drop your calories and intake as you will just drop in weight, spoiling all your gains, just eat the same and train the same.

J

Anonymous · 24-02-2005, 08:29 PM

agreed stick to the same diet, training and you should stay the same.

divie · 25-02-2005, 09:48 AM

Ok cheers, my main point is at the moment im still gaining weight, but i dont want to any more because i have to stay around 12 stone because i want to stay a middleweight.If i cut my fat and carb down a bit but maintain my high protien can i still make gains with regards to muscle development?, because i dont want to stop the heavy weight training and i like seeing improvements on muscle size.Have i got to turn in to a fat pig to gain muscle size because i feel that was the way i was going.At the moment i dont know if i should carry on bulking because im not looking for size im happy with an average frame i just like being ripped and looking fit.We need carb for fuel but why so much if we arn't looking to bulk?the protien assists the muscle develpoment, so as long as we eat enougth carb to fuel our body the protien will not be taken for fuel will it?.Its probably basic stuff i should already be aware of but i dont, if need be ill keep bulking for another 6 months mayby more but im scared im getting greedy for muscle and could end up a fatty.
ALL THE BEST

divie · 25-02-2005, 09:51 AM

PS how do you get photos on here? :?:

Comando Tom · 25-02-2005, 10:31 AM

Use a image host, like Yahoo Photos. Or, get a MSN space to upload pics to, then give us the link

zx9rjas · 25-02-2005, 10:31 AM

It sounds to me as though you still want to see improvements in your physique as you mention, you dont have to have clear "bulking" and "cutting" phases. Try lowering your carbs by about 40-50grams and fats by about 10-15grams, also increasing your protein by about 20-30 grams. Continue to train as you so normally.

These are not terribly significant changes but the alterations should still allow you to maintain your size indefinately but also slowly allow you to "cut up".

The total drop in calories is only about 170 calories but reducing your carbs and fats will allow the body to use more of its own reserves, while the increased protein will speed metabolism slightly and preserve muscle tissue.

Although do not expect fast results like this as I said the drop in calories is very low and it will be a long term thing(and you may need to drop futher when it slows). It should allow you to achieve what you are looking for.
If you are looking for ripped look faster then you may consider dropping your carbs by 100-150grams and fats 30-40grams while incresing your protein by 50-75 grams, while adding a little cardio, although be prepared to lose a little strength and a little size.

J

divie · 25-02-2005, 05:30 PM

Cheers zx9jras you seem to have answered my topic perfectly, i didnt explain myself very well as usual but you obviously got my point.Basicly i dont want to bulk anymore just get ripped, but i wasnt sure lowering my carb and fat intake would still allow for muscle growth, like i said in my previous post as long as i have loads of protien, but cut carb and fat down a bit my muscles should still grow, however i thought id better check with you experianced guys.

GTForce · 05-03-2005, 03:01 AM

Divie,

I realize your question was related more towards the appearance of your physique but you also mentined reaching a goal regarding the bench press. If you are more or less happy with your physique then I would strongly urge you to 1) take zx9rjas' advice re : diet and 2) set some goals as an athlete.
How many hanging straight leg raises can you perform?
How low can you sink when you squat?
How flexible are you?
How many chin-ups can you do?
How many dips?

Hey, I am as obsessed about my physique as the next bodybuilder but I find it gets old after a while. Focusing your energy on athletic milestones as opposed to appearance-related goals can really provide a tremendous source of inspiration especially if you are competitive in nature.

Good luck,
GTF

24-02-2005, 06:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
divie Making Progress Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: somerset Posts: 436 Rep Power:	What to do when happy with physique? I have reached my original goals already, ie bench pressing double the weight from what i started at and gaining a couple of stone.Im happy with my physique but i dont know what i should be doing now.I was originally 10 half stone at 6ft2, now im 12stone6 so i haven't put on enougth to warrent me cutting in as ive maintained my low body fat and flat stomache, ive worked my stomache hard recently to get my 6 pack just visable.As i dont want to bulk up any more what can i do?.I still want to weight train as i enjoy getting stronger and looking fitter, what does everyone do once they are cut up with regards to diet aswell as weight liffting?Once cut up is that it?I dont know if i should drop my calorie intake to stop weight gain but if i do that my weight training is going to be affected.

24-02-2005, 08:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
zx9rjas Making Progress Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Southampton Posts: 343 Rep Power:	Yes mate, its not a dead end. If you are truely happy with how you are and want to maintain stick to it. Dont drop your calories and intake as you will just drop in weight, spoiling all your gains, just eat the same and train the same. J ______________________ 50% of bodybuilding is nutrition 50% of body building is not overtraining If you cant gain see the above

25-02-2005, 10:31 AM	#8 (permalink)
zx9rjas Making Progress Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Southampton Posts: 343 Rep Power:	It sounds to me as though you still want to see improvements in your physique as you mention, you dont have to have clear "bulking" and "cutting" phases. Try lowering your carbs by about 40-50grams and fats by about 10-15grams, also increasing your protein by about 20-30 grams. Continue to train as you so normally. These are not terribly significant changes but the alterations should still allow you to maintain your size indefinately but also slowly allow you to "cut up". The total drop in calories is only about 170 calories but reducing your carbs and fats will allow the body to use more of its own reserves, while the increased protein will speed metabolism slightly and preserve muscle tissue. Although do not expect fast results like this as I said the drop in calories is very low and it will be a long term thing(and you may need to drop futher when it slows). It should allow you to achieve what you are looking for. If you are looking for ripped look faster then you may consider dropping your carbs by 100-150grams and fats 30-40grams while incresing your protein by 50-75 grams, while adding a little cardio, although be prepared to lose a little strength and a little size. J ______________________ 50% of bodybuilding is nutrition 50% of body building is not overtraining If you cant gain see the above

05-03-2005, 03:01 AM	#10 (permalink)
GTForce Making Progress Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Posts: 198 Rep Power:	Divie, I realize your question was related more towards the appearance of your physique but you also mentined reaching a goal regarding the bench press. If you are more or less happy with your physique then I would strongly urge you to 1) take zx9rjas' advice re : diet and 2) set some goals as an athlete. How many hanging straight leg raises can you perform? How low can you sink when you squat? How flexible are you? How many chin-ups can you do? How many dips? Hey, I am as obsessed about my physique as the next bodybuilder but I find it gets old after a while. Focusing your energy on athletic milestones as opposed to appearance-related goals can really provide a tremendous source of inspiration especially if you are competitive in nature. Good luck, GTF ______________________ You don't win friends with salad

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24-02-2005, 06:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Comando Tom Making Progress Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bristol Posts: 595 Rep Power:	A bit of common sense, If you happy how you are, carry on what you are doing to stay that way. Got some pics?

24-02-2005, 08:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
Anonymous Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 0 Rep Power:	agreed stick to the same diet, training and you should stay the same.

25-02-2005, 09:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
divie Making Progress Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: somerset Posts: 436 Rep Power:	Ok cheers, my main point is at the moment im still gaining weight, but i dont want to any more because i have to stay around 12 stone because i want to stay a middleweight.If i cut my fat and carb down a bit but maintain my high protien can i still make gains with regards to muscle development?, because i dont want to stop the heavy weight training and i like seeing improvements on muscle size.Have i got to turn in to a fat pig to gain muscle size because i feel that was the way i was going.At the moment i dont know if i should carry on bulking because im not looking for size im happy with an average frame i just like being ripped and looking fit.We need carb for fuel but why so much if we arn't looking to bulk?the protien assists the muscle develpoment, so as long as we eat enougth carb to fuel our body the protien will not be taken for fuel will it?.Its probably basic stuff i should already be aware of but i dont, if need be ill keep bulking for another 6 months mayby more but im scared im getting greedy for muscle and could end up a fatty. ALL THE BEST

25-02-2005, 09:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
divie Making Progress Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: somerset Posts: 436 Rep Power:	PS how do you get photos on here? :?:

25-02-2005, 10:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
Comando Tom Making Progress Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bristol Posts: 595 Rep Power:	Use a image host, like Yahoo Photos. Or, get a MSN space to upload pics to, then give us the link

25-02-2005, 05:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
divie Making Progress Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: somerset Posts: 436 Rep Power:	Cheers zx9jras you seem to have answered my topic perfectly, i didnt explain myself very well as usual but you obviously got my point.Basicly i dont want to bulk anymore just get ripped, but i wasnt sure lowering my carb and fat intake would still allow for muscle growth, like i said in my previous post as long as i have loads of protien, but cut carb and fat down a bit my muscles should still grow, however i thought id better check with you experianced guys.