I really have come to a crossroads. Firstly a little background knowledge.

I started running and weight training last August to lose some weight.

I really got into it and love my new look and life style.

I am 5'10 was 197lbs and now weigh 159 lbs.I am really trim, have a good body shape - 43" chest and 32" waist. Looking toned with some decent muscle.

Like many of us I started with no or little knowledge of weight training cardio , Hiit, diets etc, but with sites like this and books, mags and discussions at the gym, I have really built up a knowledge and love for all these new things.

So for the last months I have in effect been cutting and doing a weight routine which toned and built some good muscle. I know now the difference between cutting and bulking. I have been working of late to get the six pack which is coming. I worry about my weight though as my ideal weight is about what I am now, but need to lose some more body fat to get the final affect. I feel I will start to look a little scrawny, if I keep losing weight. I really want the six pack though. Has anyone ever been at this stage? Can I keep losing body fat and not weight?

I want to start bulking up by the autumn ( really want to add some beef to the pecs and arms)and have no concerns that I wont see the gains quickly but dont want to miss the chance to see the six pack first.

( I guess I am pleased with the trim look but desperate to see some results from bulking)
Should I continue the cutting and cardio and weights and diet, or really start to bulk?

Thanks for listening!

I'd keep cutting. You'd be surprised how "big" you'll look when you get very lean. There's no other way for you to get that six pack until you get to at least 10% or less body fat.

---Trainiac!
http://www.clintphillips.com

I'd keep cutting. You'd be surprised how "big" you'll look when you get very lean. There's no other way for you to get that six pack until you get to at least 10% or less body fat.

---Trainiac!
http://www.clintphillips.com
im at 10%, no 6-pack :d_frown: :db:

yes you can lose fat and not weight, end of Jan until now I havent changed weight too much, went down 5lbs, but I am much more toned now than I was in Jan.

build muscle inplace of weight, also probably water from creatine (in my case)

I would say since you're to the point of your abs becoming visible, that you need not concern yourself so much (if at all) with your weight rather than your appearance.

I am 5'10 was 197lbs and now weigh 159 lbs.I am really trim, have a good body shape - 43" chest and 32" waist. Looking toned with some decent muscle.

( I guess I am pleased with the trim look but desperate to see some results from bulking)
Should I continue the cutting and cardio and weights and diet, or really start to bulk?

Why not change diet to a maintainance level and review your training plan? You seemed to have reached proper weight now let the exercise take over, the 1000 or so calories for weight loss can slowly be put back in to play. You might want to make adjustments to increase protein intake.

Increase your workout weights and keep reps down in the 5 to 8 area. Start reading about building muscle, I suggest you don't get lighter just maintain in the 159 - 165 range for awhile.

Change your dietary approach and cardio to ones that support the preservation of lean muscle tissue while employing lipolysis. This will get you a six pack, AND keep your lean muscle tissue. After all, that is your metabolism. Very key............

~SC~

Change your dietary approach and cardio to ones that support the preservation of lean muscle tissue while employing lipolysis. This will get you a six pack, AND keep your lean muscle tissue. After all, that is your metabolism. Very key............

~SC~
cardio keeping the heartbeat around 65-75% will keep muscle right? is there a limit to the amount of cardio you should do per day? dont burn over XXXX calories

Change your dietary approach and cardio to ones that support the preservation of lean muscle tissue while employing lipolysis. This will get you a six pack, AND keep your lean muscle tissue. After all, that is your metabolism. Very key............

~SC~

Thanks for all the advice.

Swolecat, I would be interested to know more about Lipolysis, What is this?

I am doing cardio first thing, empty Stomach for no more than 30 mins.

Weights split on 3 day basis, high protein, low fat and not to many carbs, eating as clean as poss.

Anything else I am missing.

I supplement with Creatine but no protein shakes or drinks, should I take these?

I would be interested to know more about Lipolysis, What is this?

Read the "Glycemic Index" section of Marcus' thread (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=1222), he has some information on it.