Hey all. I have been interested in getting in shape for some time now, but I have finally become DETERMINED to see it through! I thought that I had learned enough from some of the magazines I subscribe to, but after a week on this site, I realized I was quite a bit off on my understanding.

I am a soldier at Ft. Campbell, KY and I have to be in good aerobic shape, but bulking and fat loss are equally as important to me. My stats are 5'11.5", 180lbs, about 18% body fat. I haven't taken any mesurements yet.

I am trying to develop my own fitness plan. My goals are to become stronger, look better, and by aerobically fit. I am sold on the Max-OT plan, but I am having trouble trying to figure how John and many of you came up with a "fat loss" phase, then a "summer maintenance" phase, then "bulking" phase, etc... What do you do differently in each phase? Where can I find this info? Please help :p !?! It's hard to dig through all of the great info on this site. :read:


Sorry for the long post... I appreciate any advice! :D
Idoc

here is a very BASIC answer to got you started:

bulking = eating lots, lifting heavy, little or no cardio
goal - gain lean muscle (and probably some fat)

cutting = eating a little, lifting moderate, a lot of cardio
goal - reduce body fat, (slight muscle loss unavoidable)

maintaining = eating normal, lifting moderate, moderate cardio
goal - maintain muscle mass, avoid fat gain

Thanks Schteevie. I appreciate the start.

When do I know it's time to switch to a different phase? Is it just based on my own goals?

Thanks Schteevie. I appreciate the start.

When do I know it's time to switch to a different phase? Is it just based on my own goals?
Yes, set a goal or goals for each "phase" and when you reach your goals, it's time to set some new ones. I just use the phase names as a convenient way of quickly defining my current goals.

Yes, set a goal or goals for each "phase" and when you reach your goals, it's time to set some new ones. I just use the phase names as a convenient way of quickly defining my current goals.



Thanks a million, John. I love this site. It's a fanatstic source of info and motivation! :db: