Are depletion workouts necessary?

[xblitz44x]

I've been doing Lyle McDonald's Ultimate Diet 2.0, and he recommends full body, 15-20 rep depletion workouts on Monday and Tuesday. I've asked around and had mixed opinions on whether these types of workouts are necessary or whether or not it would be more beneficial to keep going with the 5x5 program that I was running? I'm trying to shed some fat but it would be really nice to hang onto my strength/size.

So, keep with the 15-20 rep depletion workouts or keep going with the strength program which was helping me make some decent gains. Thanks in advance.

A few stats:
Age: 24
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 225lbs
BF%: About 12-13%

 

[alex2678]

Not absolutely necessary to do the depletion workout from what I've seen. I did it last time I followed a CKD but since then have talked to a bunch of people who got the same results with regards to fat burning by just sticking to their same weight routine.

 

[Rainbows]

I do a variant of the diet, but I do my usual split of 5 days too. Back, Monday, Chest Tuesday etc etc. The diet is supposed to be protein sparing but I dont really feel comfortable working out only 2 days for all muscles. I suppose if burning fat was the only thing that matter it would work. But I'd as soon as do a TKD than depletion workouts.

 

[Lifterforlife]

It can lead to ketosis quicker. Not absolutely necessary, but just by the name, depletion workout, you can guess what you are trying to achieve at an earlier time.

If you have no timeframe in mind, then feel free not to do them. I have done them quite a few times pre contest, and they are no fun.

 

[Ghede]

It can lead to ketosis quicker. Not absolutely necessary, but just by the name, depletion workout, you can guess what you are trying to achieve at an earlier time.

If you have no timeframe in mind, then feel free not to do them. I have done them quite a few times pre contest, and they are no fun.

aye, thats a fact, they suck. i had some savage cramping due to those depletions/refeeds a la body opus... holy shit.. once in the car on the way back from a dep. workout, i got a severe sartorius, ham AND quad cramp... i had my doubts about staying conscious...