Losing muscle and...happy about it?

[Debaser]

For the past few months I haven't been concerned with size whatsoever...more with athleticism. I'm starting to pursue sprinting, and developing overall fitness, power and ability.

As a result, I've lost quite a bit of muscular size. I'm down to a 42" chest, but to be quite honest, I've never been happier. I'm leaner and just have an overall "machined" or "purpose-built" look about me. Sounds corny, I know, but I'm not sure how else to describe it.

Not that it's my primary concern, but it's grabbed the attention of a few women as well. A couple of my good friends think that I now have a "perfect body" and that before (when my chest was 45" or so) I looked cartoonish, almost like a caricature. I can't necessarily say that I disagree (no offense intended to the larger bros of the forum).

Another of my primary interests is style and fashion, which was honestly a bit hampered by my larger size. A lot of great designers simply don't make clothes for very muscular men. I guess there's a reason male models are so rail-thin.

Apparently one's goals can change. Though my interests over the past year have slowly gravitated towards strength over size, I can honestly say now that I have no interest in accruing muscle anymore. It's a change of pace, that's for sure, when I care more about lateral stability and postural function than another inch on my arms.

Any comments (or flames ) are welcome.

 

[Deathbydefault]

congrats on finding what works for you. I agree with the style thing, although i'm not terribly large at all , I am begin enough to notice alot of nice clothes no longer fitting. If I could properly train for both strength, speed, and functionality, I definately would

 

[Tweakle]

well yes, lean is always better than being a 'bulked' up fatass but I wouldn't be happy going below 210. My ultimate goal is 17.5-18" arms at 10% bf (or lower), it's not realistic for me to want to be that much bigger without resorting to massive cycles (and even then there's plenty of evidence that drugs, diet and a good work ethic cant make up for below average genetics)

It's whatever makes you happy.. and if thats looking like an underware model then more power to ya. I have plenty of designer stuff that fits me, apart from the jeans

 

[wnt2bBeast]

very sad if you ask me

 

[Dial_tone]

I'll take smaller and leaner over bigger and tubby any day. I do some long distance bike rides 20-40 miles because I feel better and more athletic overall.

 

[InTraining]

Whatever floats your boat bro...personally I feel I am too big(and fat lol ) at my current size and height so I'm going to start cutting in the next few weeks....being lean is way better than looking "bulked" no matter how much muscle is under the fat and water

A lot of guys here probably wanted to be 300lb monsters when they started lifting but realized it might not be all it's cracked up to be...

It's cool that you have acheived satisfaction with how you look...that's pretty rare in bodybuilding

 

[wnt2bBeast]

no offense but a 45 inch chest is not cartoonish unless your under 5 feet..
nothing wrong with being cut either..id just rather be HUGE and CUT

 

[ghettostudmuffin]

Well when a girl tells you you look kinda cartoonish with a 45" chest you might as well just laugh.

After 3 months training my relaxed chest is 44" and expanded about 48" and I certainly don't look cartoonish at 5'8 1/2". Some chicks really dig big muscles and some think it's overkill.

My ideal look would be about 225-240lbs at 10% BF so long as my measurements are where I want them.

You can be plenty athletic at that size or bigger if you play sports and run as well as lift.

Personally I'd rather bulk up and be huge/little chubby and super strong at 260-275lbs, and then cut down and be the pimp shit at my desired weight. I'll never go below 200lbs again even when cut.

Whatever floats your boat bro. If you like the medium build, athletic look, go for it.

 

[Debaser]

very sad if you ask me

So is the aimless pursuit of getting huge. Be honest with yourself, what's the point? Insecurity? What is the real reason you want to be big?

 

[ghettostudmuffin]

I know this is between you an wnt2bbeast, but I'd like to add that just cuz someone wants to be huge and powerful (like me) doesn't mean they are insecure. For what it's worth, everyone has insecurities.

 

[Debaser]

I know this is between you an wnt2bbeast, but I'd like to add that just cuz someone wants to be huge and powerful (like me) doesn't mean they are insecure. For what it's worth, everyone has insecurities.

I'm not saying everyone is insecure. For beast to remark that it's "sad" that I don't care about being big anymore--that's insecurity.

 

[WalkingBeast]

Finding what keeps YOU sane is the key. For me, Im afraid Ill never be satisfied! Its a fucking disease!! hahaha KILL THAT SHIT!!

 

[therobber]

I think it's cool for YOU to be content with being smaller and more athletic. To me it would be sad to give up the persuit of getting bigger and stronger, but that's ME. I don't look down on anyone with different goals. As long as you're still progressing towards your goals, whatever they might be, I'll give you props for it.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

So is the aimless pursuit of getting huge. Be honest with yourself, what's the point? Insecurity? What is the real reason you want to be big?

Look..i dont want to turn this into a psychologiacal thread lol..your goals have changed thats fine..good luck with it..im different my goals have changed as well..im looking to increase my total and have completely switched my training around for that purpose..

I felt its sad because no matter how big or small you are you worked to gain your size im sure it wasnt easy and now your letting it go but i understand its not your goal anymore which is fine..

Am i insecure?..i dont think i am you dont know me so there is no way you can even make that assumption..I am totally not about flash in the gym or out of the gym..i could care less what the guy next to me is lifting 700 lbs or 100lbs..i know what i can do and what i must do to better myself!!! I could also careless about what kind of possessions the guy next to me has as well..again am i insecure i dont think i am but then again we all have our insecurities and if you say you dont then your just fooling yourself..

 

[bluetwistedsteel67]

Finding what keeps YOU sane is the key. For me, Im afraid Ill never be satisfied! Its a fucking disease!! hahaha KILL THAT SHIT!!

It is a disease. And this shit has no cure. I bulk and feel fat (even though I don't go over 11-12% then cut and feel small. It is an endless persuit and all I can say is thank God for gear.lol

 

[mad_monkey59]

For the past few months I haven't been concerned with size whatsoever...more with athleticism. I'm starting to pursue sprinting, and developing overall fitness, power and ability.

As a result, I've lost quite a bit of muscular size. I'm down to a 42" chest, but to be quite honest, I've never been happier. I'm leaner and just have an overall "machined" or "purpose-built" look about me. Sounds corny, I know, but I'm not sure how else to describe it.

Not that it's my primary concern, but it's grabbed the attention of a few women as well. A couple of my good friends think that I now have a "perfect body" and that before (when my chest was 45" or so) I looked cartoonish, almost like a caricature. I can't necessarily say that I disagree (no offense intended to the larger bros of the forum).

Another of my primary interests is style and fashion, which was honestly a bit hampered by my larger size. A lot of great designers simply don't make clothes for very muscular men. I guess there's a reason male models are so rail-thin.

Apparently one's goals can change. Though my interests over the past year have slowly gravitated towards strength over size, I can honestly say now that I have no interest in accruing muscle anymore. It's a change of pace, that's for sure, when I care more about lateral stability and postural function than another inch on my arms.

Any comments (or flames ) are welcome.

Ultimately, we go to the gym to make a body that is worthy of our own self respect, not for the respect of others... your decision to pursue the body you want is a awesome decision, good for you mate.

 

[ChinkNasty]

I think it just comes down to whatever your training goals are...in a sense I can agree with him because I too train for athletic ability (rugby), so I'm more concerned with speed, endurance, and power, which is different than the next guy who's concerned about how much mass he can acquire and how good he looks on stage...different goals bros

peace,
CN

 

[theoak01]

Ive kinda been making this shift myself, come april I will be applying to be a cop and I find it really hard to keep around 200 at 5'6 and be able to run a half decent mile and a half, so Ive dropped weight over the summer,now im around 190 but going for more athletics and function.

aslong as your happy man go for it

 

[ghettostudmuffin]

Hey oak01. I used to train with a guy in brazilian jiu-jutsu that was a police officer. Cool dude actually besides being all square and all. I remember him saying that he hit the weights 3-5 days a week on average plus did the jiu-jutsu for extra training and technique work. He was strong and he said he had to use his size(235lbs) and strength now and then and when he did it came in very handy. Also it helps to intimidate guys from trying anything.

If I were you (and 200lbs, especially if your solid is quite impressive for 5-6") would hold on to your size and strength and just get decent at your running. Just be able to pass your run times comfortably and still retain most of your size and strength.

This is just what I got from listening to the guy. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[theoak01]

I found my knees get pretty sore after a few weeks of running 3-4 times a week at this weight, Im prob 16% bf or so,so Im soft,but not obese.

if I could sort the knee pain out Id love to keep my size and get back up to 200, it could be something simple like shitty shoes,which I think could be it,because when I had ran alot with my old saucony's I was fine,but the nikes kill

 

[ghettostudmuffin]

Try some new balance or shoes specifically designed for running. Run on a track or even better on the usually accompanied football field with the synthetic grass.

I'd probably do sprints once a week and run what ever the distance they time you in running for once a week, so only run twice a week. You don't need to run 3-4 days a week to get fast and or have decent endurance bro.

As for your knees getting sore, part of that may be running too often also.

 

[needsize]

its good that you found something that works for you, for me it will always be the pursuit of getting bigger and/or improving weak points.
In my case, I've come to terms with my insanity, this summer I walked around at 230lbs, 8% at 5'8", and felt small. Intellectually I know I'm not, but I still felt that way. I bulked up to 260lbs, and felt great. Now i just dieted down to 240lbs as I'm going to mexico next week, now I feel like an aids patient....
there is no cure for whats wrong with me, so at least you have goals you can reach

 

[Fast Twitch Fiber]

For a while I just wanted to lift the heaviest weights possible. That meant adding fat along with muscle. I did get pretty damn strong for my stature. 5'9" weighing 198 and benching 405 and squatting in the 500's. However, after a while I decided I didn't like the way I looked with a pot belly. I went on a year long cutting cycle and dropped a lot of weight but my strength sucked. It's hard to get both cut and strong. Only the few gifted people can do it.

 

[Dial_tone]

I want to be as big as I can while staying under 10% bodyfat and able to fit into nice clothes. I'm closer to 15 now.

 

[JohnnyCoho]

Debaser,
Kewl that ya found what yer lookin for and feelin great Brah!! At least yer still concerned with general health and haven't given that up like I see so many do at the gym...and I'm sure most have seen it themselves. They come in all gun-ho (especially just after the first of the year or just before summer) tell ya there gonna do this or that with various goals but only last a week or two and ya never se em' again.

Ya still hittin some weights though? If ya are it would be cool to give others a little dif. training log to read with your current goals ect.
While not my current personal goal I do find coolcolj's Vertical Leap & Training of an Explosive MOFO Training thread a good read with some good cool shit.

Ok,..now for the Flaming hehehe Style & Fashion Brah'? Ya gone metro sexual on us or what? LOL jk

 

[theoak01]

Try some new balance or shoes specifically designed for running. Run on a track or even better on the usually accompanied football field with the synthetic grass.

I'd probably do sprints once a week and run what ever the distance they time you in running for once a week, so only run twice a week. You don't need to run 3-4 days a week to get fast and or have decent endurance bro.

As for your knees getting sore, part of that may be running too often also.

ya I probably was overdoing it,as my shoes were the new balance and they didnt help.

thanks for the help man,Ill hit ya with green once I spread it around

 

[TRUEsoldier]

For the past few months I haven't been concerned with size whatsoever...more with athleticism. I'm starting to pursue sprinting, and developing overall fitness, power and ability.

As a result, I've lost quite a bit of muscular size. I'm down to a 42" chest, but to be quite honest, I've never been happier. I'm leaner and just have an overall "machined" or "purpose-built" look about me. Sounds corny, I know, but I'm not sure how else to describe it.

Not that it's my primary concern, but it's grabbed the attention of a few women as well. A couple of my good friends think that I now have a "perfect body" and that before (when my chest was 45" or so) I looked cartoonish, almost like a caricature. I can't necessarily say that I disagree (no offense intended to the larger bros of the forum).

Another of my primary interests is style and fashion, which was honestly a bit hampered by my larger size. A lot of great designers simply don't make clothes for very muscular men. I guess there's a reason male models are so rail-thin.

Apparently one's goals can change. Though my interests over the past year have slowly gravitated towards strength over size, I can honestly say now that I have no interest in accruing muscle anymore. It's a change of pace, that's for sure, when I care more about lateral stability and postural function than another inch on my arms.

Any comments (or flames ) are welcome.

whateer works for you bro...IMO 45" chest is not big! I am close to a 45" chest and dont think its big at all. And I can fit just about any clothes I want (but not a big fashion person LOL)

The only thing that matters is content, so if your good with what you got, then fuck everything else...as for me, going for a 48" chest

Peace

 

[RussianRocket]

People everywhere are just losing themselves the mentality of size over symmetry. You look bad. Huge, but bad. I guess it all comes down to "what" you're doing it for. If you want to look good naked, or be a huge, sweaty, stinky mofo, it's up to you. Chicks dig both, though 75% prefer the sub 10%, athletic look. But HEY, that's okay, just tell her she doesn't appreciate discipline and hard work - as though someone's pulling a gun to your head. Think about it. Why the hell would I respect a 18% BF 250+ AAS user? What the hell have you accomplished? The way you got there is systematic, hell give me another 5 years, I'll get there. So fucking what? People everywhere act as if they accomplished some sort of historical act. Get over it, you're huge, you're asymetrical; you give her a sense of security. Does she think you're attractive? I doubt it.

Flame away.

 

[needsize]

People everywhere are just losing themselves the mentality of size over symmetry. You look bad. Huge, but bad. I guess it all comes down to "what" you're doing it for. If you want to look good naked, or be a huge, sweaty, stinky mofo, it's up to you. Chicks dig both, though 75% prefer the sub 10%, athletic look. But HEY, that's okay, just tell her she doesn't appreciate discipline and hard work - as though someone's pulling a gun to your head. Think about it. Why the hell would I respect a 18% BF 250+ AAS user? What the hell have you accomplished? The way you got there is systematic, hell give me another 5 years, I'll get there. So fucking what? People everywhere act as if they accomplished some sort of historical act. Get over it, you're huge, you're asymetrical; you give her a sense of security. Does she think you're attractive? I doubt it.

Flame away.

so what happens when you are huge, symmertical, and lean?

 

[RussianRocket]

What happens? Props to you is what happens.

 

[casualbb]

It's interesting that you say that

I've noticed to myself that when I'm most into the bodybuilding lifestyle -- I actually feel the WORST about myself and am the least into any other hobbies

I'm not saying that people weighttrain due to insecurity, but it seems like I do... or used to, at least

 

[ghettostudmuffin]

What if that 18% BF AAS user at 250lbs is on a bulking cycle or mutliple bulking cycles and plans on cutting down to a rock solid 210lbs next cycle and looks better than you?

You can't always judge someone on your first impression BRAH.

Also, what's wrong with being systematic. If you know AAS is gonna get you where you want to go at a faster rate, than why not? You still have to put in the work, results just come faster. Also, what if you want a look that is just a little above what is naturally capable for you? HMM? In the end, it seems that if you plan your cycles properly, and put in the hard work that you will gain faster than you ever could naturally, look better, be bigger and stronger, and when you come off or quit using all together provided you keep hitting the weights hard that if you were above your natural set point for how much muscle mass you can hold that you will not retain it, just the mass up to your natural limit.

Maybe take a step down off the highhorse?

 

[wnt2bBeast]

It's interesting that you say that

I've noticed to myself that when I'm most into the bodybuilding lifestyle -- I actually feel the WORST about myself and am the least into any other hobbies

I'm not saying that people weighttrain due to insecurity, but it seems like I do... or used to, at least

if i were a skinny little punk id be insecure too!!! LOL

however ive never been small in my entire life i was damn near close to 2 bills at 15 and was squatting 315 by the age of 16 (of course they were never atf) so i dont think the insecurity tag applies to me..I started training due to sports!!

just hope you realize im kiddin with ya bout being skinny!!!

 

[casualbb]

dude... i AM skinny lol

my little brother makes fun of my legs as twiggy. I'd put the hurt on him but now he weighs more than me. from doing nothing

it's not fair!

 

[wnt2bBeast]

yeah well im sure you lost weight over t-giving holiday didnt you???
ive yet to step on the scale since lol ive been fasting for a few days!!!

 

[Forge]

I also go for the smaller athletic look on myself, but mainly because gaining muscle is incredibly hard for me; my body tends to add fat before gaining muscle. I'm sure I could juice to help it out but I prefer to stay natty, so being truly big is a pipedream for me. Some would call that settling, I call it being realistic. Not everyone is meant to be an Arnold or a Ronnie, sometimes you just have to play the cards you are dealt.

Still, that being said, it doesn't mean I'll ever give up trying to get bigger.

 

[cwick0]

however ive never been small in my entire life i was damn near close to 2 bills at 15 and was squatting 315 by the age of 16 (of course they were never atf) so i dont think the insecurity tag applies to me..I started training due to sports!!

We are way too much alike. I have never been small, nor every will be small. Im currently weighing in about 260lbs (51" chest right now), which is getting to be a little too big. However, my numbers are going through the roof right now and im just getting going on legs again. Obviously i could cut a few pounds off of my waist, then my stomach would look real funny with my rib cage protruding every where.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

We are way too much alike. I have never been small, nor every will be small. Im currently weighing in about 260lbs (51" chest right now), which is getting to be a little too big. However, my numbers are going through the roof right now and im just getting going on legs again. Obviously i could cut a few pounds off of my waist, then my stomach would look real funny with my rib cage protruding every where.

yeah almost...if i could just get my bench near yours id be happy!!!!

 

[cwick0]

yeah almost...if i could just get my bench near yours id be happy!!!!

Im still trying to decide how much higher i want to push myself, my body, and my joints. I might try 405 for 10 reps tomorrow. Im pretty sure my body is ready for the bigger weights, but i know that i will be more suseptible to injury too.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

Im still trying to decide how much higher i want to push myself, my body, and my joints. I might try 405 for 10 reps tomorrow. Im pretty sure my body is ready for the bigger weights, but i know that i will be more suseptible to injury too.

I hear ya..i think you owe it to yourself if you are healthy to really see where you can take your bench..of course safety and health are the first priority but i would think your smart enought to realize what you can and cant do!!

 

[halfaclue]

For the past few months I haven't been concerned with size whatsoever...more with athleticism. I'm starting to pursue sprinting, and developing overall fitness, power and ability.

As a result, I've lost quite a bit of muscular size. I'm down to a 42" chest, but to be quite honest, I've never been happier. I'm leaner and just have an overall "machined" or "purpose-built" look about me. Sounds corny, I know, but I'm not sure how else to describe it.

Not that it's my primary concern, but it's grabbed the attention of a few women as well. A couple of my good friends think that I now have a "perfect body" and that before (when my chest was 45" or so) I looked cartoonish, almost like a caricature. I can't necessarily say that I disagree (no offense intended to the larger bros of the forum).

Another of my primary interests is style and fashion, which was honestly a bit hampered by my larger size. A lot of great designers simply don't make clothes for very muscular men. I guess there's a reason male models are so rail-thin.

Apparently one's goals can change. Though my interests over the past year have slowly gravitated towards strength over size, I can honestly say now that I have no interest in accruing muscle anymore. It's a change of pace, that's for sure, when I care more about lateral stability and postural function than another inch on my arms.

Any comments (or flames ) are welcome.[/QUOTE

Its all good, you know what you want and your working towards it which is the most important thing. Every couple of months I get so sick of all the eating and lifting and just want to give it up but anytime I take a break for a week I feel like crap and believe I shrink by the day. I started lifting because I like the muscle look. My goal is to be able to wear a fleece pullover and people can still tell I'm cut. I'd have to get into the "needsize" zone but I'm still willing to try. What sucks for me is there were two guys wh really got me serious int lifting. One moved to GA last year and the other told me 3 weeks ago that he is done. He will lift and juice but he is done with bodybuilding because he is tired of the eating and dieting. Now I have zero local friends who share my goals or even understand them and that sucks not having a support cast.

 

[Tweakle]

this summer I walked around at 230lbs, 8% at 5'8", and felt small. Intellectually I know I'm not, but I still felt that way. I bulked up to 260lbs, and felt great. Now i just dieted down to 240lbs as I'm going to mexico next week, now I feel like an aids patient....

lol good to know that never changes no matter how jacked you get.. at a lean 220 I feel like I'm no bigger than any other dude I see in a club, bar, walking down the street or whatever. kinda sucks but then ppl comment that i'm 'small' or 'not that big' which definitely re-enforces it

 

[wnt2bBeast]

lol good to know that never changes no matter how jacked you get.. at a lean 220 I feel like I'm no bigger than any other dude I see in a club, bar, walking down the street or whatever. kinda sucks but then ppl comment that i'm 'small' or 'not that big' which definitely re-enforces it

challenge them to a squat contest..first one to fall down loses..
i bet youll win!!!

 

[Dieharder]

I feel much better now that i am lighter, and am now focusing more on pound for pound strength, training everything 3x a week, plus sprinting. So far it has made me leaner and more "in shape" then i have been since freshman year of college. Size has definitely suffered, but shape and symmetry is coming together if i could only get my damned lats to grow!

 

[Sebass67]

Just bulked up to 300 again...it ain't all that bad...b/c i know that when i do trim down i will feel great. 4 more weeks and then down to 270...

Time to do some more band assisted deadlifts....i wanna hit 600 damnit!!! This is the year to break ALL plateaus!!!