Curious...

[Tom Treutlein]

I'm still bulking now, 6', 180 lbs, on a 5x5 routine. Planning on doing this until the end of March (12 weeks of it) then cutting down for Summer. Now, I'm probably going to switch to an HST-style routine or something, or just a very toned down 5x5 when I want to cut so I can maintain size and strength as best posible.

Anyway, after I cut (CKD, ANPB Diet, or whatever I use...) I wanted to ask if anyone knows what I would do from that point on to maintain my size, assuming I was happy with it (or just wanted to stay lean all Summer)? I don't want to be restricted from carbs all throughout the Summer, yet I don't want to lose any abs I'll have developed by then. Would I just multiply my bodyweight by 12, eat that much daily, cut-off carbs at night (as usual), and keep with my routine/moderate cardio?

 

[SoreArms]

While cutting, although it is difficult to build much muscle mass, you can maintain most of what you already have. This, of course, will be totally dependent on your diet (protein and fat intake).

Take some time to do some reading and I'm sure you'll find the proper nutrition guidelines to help you maintain some of that hard earned muscle while cutting.

 

[Tom Treutlein]

Bump

 

[Stryc-9]

Bodyweight x 12 is a fairly decent rule of thumb for maintaining weight - but it doesn't necessarily determine how much bodyfat you're going to hold.

The best thing is to establish how many calories you need (it might take a few weeks to settle on the proper amount) by weighing yourself every week (do it at the same time of day). If you're not gaining or losing, then you'll have your magic number. It can take years to learn the right pattern for yourself, so don't get discouraged playing around with the numbers.