Hi all, i basically am on a cut at the moment as i am trying to drop my body fat by the time i go to ibiza in july.

However, i would like to put a little size on my arms and legs in particular. I have read a fair few articles and posts that suggest that you cannot cut and build muscle at the same time, so i was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers or advise if you could please regarding whats best in this situation.

I currently do cardio in the AM in a fasted state as it is better for my daily routine with college and work committments too.

I eat about 1600 cals per day with protein and carbs split equally.

If anyone could give me any great advise then i would really apprciate it.

Basically, if i lift on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and maybe sundays, would it be a complete waste of time because i am not going to grow my muscles by any size, and not see any benefit in muscle growth.

Thanks alll

Gaz. :tu:

No! Lifting would not be a waste of time. You need to lift to keep your metabolism up and retain the muscle you have while you lose fat. It will also make it easier to lose fat. There are people who can build muscle and lose fat at the same time. It gets incresingly harder for seasoned lifters and some don't have the genetics to do it, but it's entirely possibly. You don't sound too experienced. If not, you're chances of being able to build a little muscle are greater. However, I don't think you're liklely at all to do it on 1600 calories. How tall are you? How much do you weight? Have you read the nutrition guides in the forum? Any idea about BMR? You should probably be eating more especially if you're hoping to possibly gain a little lean muscle as you lose fat.

I think if you posted all your stats + pictures you would get more informed replies.

You have several months, your options are to keep lifting and cutting, cut then bulk a bit or bulk a bit, then cut. Don't stop lifting at any time!

All have advantages and disadvantages. For instance if you bulk first you may not leave enough time to cut. If you only cut, you may look thin (how much LBM do you have?). If you cut then bulk, you may put on fat just before your holiday - I assume you are British, going to Ibiza!

My quess is that if you don't have too much to loose, try putting on some mass in your arms and legs first, then cut. The cut might be painful though if you have to loose a lot in a short amount of time and want to get sub 10%.