Hi, I was wondering about a way to keep track and make sure that I am not losing muscle mass while I am cutting. I do a combination of weight training and cardio. My question is this: If I am seeing strength gains in my weight training (I keep increasing my max weight in my excersizes), then I shouldn't be losing muscle mass. Is this correct?

I don't really see how I could be losing muscle mass if I am gaining strength in all of my weight training excersizes. Of course, I know some people will say that I can keep track of my lean body mass by keeping track of my body fat percentage, but every method of measuring body fat percentage is wildly unprecise, if not also inaccurate. Calipers say different things depending on the person doing it and their experience level, the bioimpedence ones vary depending on hydration, when you've eaten, how dry or calloused your hands or feet are, etc. Even measuring tape I have seen varies a lot, since you can never really keep exact same amount of tension in your muscles every time you do it.

So what does anyone think? If I am gaining in my strength training, should this also mean that I am not losing muscle mass?

The main problem with this statement is neural pathways (muscle-nervous system interation.) There is more to strength then just muscle fibers. Compare power lifters to bodybuilders. Bodybuilders are relatively weak compared to power lifters, but they have more muscle. The only good indicator is body fat calculations, and a "so-so" indicator is a variant of your question...if you lose strength, your probably losing muscle. But, not necessarily the other way around...if you maintain / gain strength it could be that you lost muscle and just improved your neural pathways.

Also, if you are new to lifting your increased performance may be down to better technique and more confidence.

so whats the best way "accurate" to measure muscle mass? I am broad built, barrel chest, the works. all these numbers I keep hearing from so called experts at my local gym make me think that they are way off.. more times then not, they are calculating my fat% alot higher than it really is and I cant trust these different calcs that I do for myself, they are all wildly different.

im no longer losing weight, im staying the same weight now and im pretty sure its muscle, but im still at that point that theres enough fat on my frame that I cant see subtle changes.. I guess keep on keeping on?

so whats the best way "accurate" to measure muscle mass? , they are calculating my fat% alot higher .

im no longer losing weight, im staying the same weight now and im pretty sure its muscle, but im still at that point that theres enough fat on my frame that I cant see subtle changes.. I guess keep on keeping on?

Measure with calipers to determine BF%. If you are cutting, you should be restricting calories, therefore you would be lucky if you gained more than about 1/2 pound a week. No magic "I am turning my fat to muscle". You need to review your diet and assure you are reducing calories to proper degree.

I understand that there is not a "turn fat to muscle" trick, I miticulously count my cals and macros everyday, I even zigzag my cals every once in a while for a couple of weeks (more cals on heavy lifting days, less on cardio days) I am putting a high emphisis on lifting to build (along with a cut diet)

so I am limiting my cal intake to a healthy safe level, along with making sure my macros are in line everyday.

im still not losing weight, but I feel better and my wife says I look better so something has got to be working, im really wishing I had started a photo journal and measured from the start. :(

I havent tried calipers, I guess ill have to pick up a set and learn how to use them.

thanks RTE

so I am limiting my cal intake to a healthy safe level, along with making sure my macros are in line everyday.

im still not losing weight, but I feel better and my wife says I look better so something has got to be working, im really wishing I had started a photo journal and measured from the start. :(

I havent tried calipers, I guess ill have to pick up a set and learn how to use them.

thanks RTE

Height, weight, and Age, present calorie intake per day, please. Get the calipers (http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/acc/fattrack.html) that john Stone uses.

Height, weight, and Age, present calorie intake per day, please. Get the calipers (http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/acc/fattrack.html) that john Stone uses.


First thing I did was make sure I was getting the cals I needed, I have done my BMR and combined with other sources I am on the right track.

240lbs
6'1
age 27
2600 cals per day.
40:40:20

and thanks for the link, you read my mind.. I have been looking around the site trying to find them. :tu:

Rtestes-

Any hints or suggestions on how to get accurate and consistent readings from those calipers? I just got mine in the mail a couple days ago and have been trying to use them. I'm having a tough time measuring with any consistency, the readouts are all over the board. Maybe I just need to practice, but any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeremy

Rtestes-

Any hints or suggestions on how to get accurate and consistent readings from those calipers? I just got mine in the mail a couple days ago and have been trying to use them. I'm having a tough time measuring with any consistency, the readouts are all over the board. Maybe I just need to practice, but any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeremy

just ordered mine as well, this would be good info.

It is all in getting the right pinch. Joe King (http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/magazine/ultimatebodyfattestingguide.htm) has some good tips and illustrations to follow. Teach spouse or friend to take the measurements. Someone else can do it better.

Remember they are estimates. You also back it up by scales and measuring tape. There are some BF% estimates done on the net, do a google search on body fat calculator.

Beside an expense hydro test calipers will do. A 5 or 7 point measure is better than a 3 point. Lay calipers nearly flat rather than perpentdicular to pinch.

It isn't easy but you gain experence, test everyone you know, learn on them. If you get good, you can start a business.

Cool, thanks for the link and tips!

So what does anyone think? If I am gaining in my strength training, should this also mean that I am not losing muscle mass?

If you continue to gain in strength every week its highly unlikely your losing muscle, while BAWL makes a point, muscle loss is noticeable as soon as you workout.
You should make strength gains each and every workout if your not overtraining or under eating.