Should we even worry about losing muscle while trying to lose bodyfat?

[ROAD DOG]

I have done 4 cycles now,and before each cycle I spend at least 10 weeks dieting and doing cardio so that I am lean as possible going into my cycles.It seems like by the time I am done dieting I am happy with how lean I got,but very disapointed with how small I looked and how much muscle I lost.
After my last couple of cycles I realised that the muscle I lost from dieting and shedding bodyfat,I gain that muscle back very quickly after I start my cycle and even gain more on top of that.If I eat clean and carefully increase my calories I don't gain any fat,only muscle.I guess what I am trying to say is,thank's to" muscle memory"and juice I now have the confidence to shed bodyfat and not lose sleep over how much muscle I am losing because I know I will get it all back with my next cycle with less fat than before.
Does anyone else think the same way as I do,or am I on the wrong track?

 

[Beezers]

But the problem arises for a competitive bodybuilder when we do loose muscle. For you the diet is the starting point. For a bodybuilder it's the end point and they need as much muscle as possible at the end point in order to be able to compete. For a recreational lifter your point makes sense. There really is no need to have as much muscle after a diet because there is really no need for it. But when you are dieting for a reason, not just the beach or whatever, then it does become a big concern to maintain as much muscle mass as possible.

 

[ROAD DOG]

Beezers,
I understand completely what you are saying about the competitve bodybuilder prepping for a show.I was just talking about the average guy like myself who does not compete,just trying to look better each year for summer.

 

[me2dammit]

there is

no reason whatsoever that you should lose muscle when dieting to a bodyfat level that most humans can obtain naturaly(6-7%), notice I said most humans. LOL Introduce anabolics to your scene and you might gain a few #s os LBM while getting to 7%.


Now when you have to cut down to 3% for a show that is a different story.

 

[Silent Method]

no reason whatsoever that you should lose muscle when dieting to a bodyfat level that most humans can obtain naturaly(6-7%)

No reason why you should philosophically, but lots of physiological reasons why you can if not careful.

ROAD DOG, I get what your saying. I will admit that I think us non-competitive bb's probably worry about it much too much. We use it as an excuse to not have to take the initiative and exhibit the dedication it takes to get ripped when we so desire. However, learning to control such variables as anabolism and catabolism as applied to our body composition is quite fundamental to bodybuilding. Striving for better ways to lose fat while clinging to every gram of muscle is a noble pursuit in this game.

 

[ROAD DOG]

No reason why you should philosophically, but lots of physiological reasons why you can if not careful.

ROAD DOG, I get what your saying. I will admit that I think us non-competitive bb's probably worry about it much too much. We use it as an excuse to not have to take the initiative and exhibit the dedication it takes to get ripped when we so desire. However, learning to control such variables as anabolism and catabolism as applied to our body composition is quite fundamental to bodybuilding. Striving for better ways to lose fat while clinging to every gram of muscle is a noble pursuit in this game.

Yes,I agree,we should make every attempt we can to preserve as much as possible.I am just to the point where I am not going to get all bent out of shape worrying about it like I use to.I found the more I worried about it the more it would hold me back from doing what I was trying to accomplish,burn fat!From now on I am hitting all my fat burning phases full bore,then worry about the muscle when I am on my cycles.

 

[ROAD DOG]

Re: there is

no reason whatsoever that you should lose muscle when dieting to a bodyfat level that most humans can obtain naturaly(6-7%), notice I said most humans. LOL Introduce anabolics to your scene and you might gain a few #s os LBM while getting to 7%.


Now when you have to cut down to 3% for a show that is a different story.

You will lose muscle when shedding bodyfat,especially guys like myself who are past their natural limit.It's hard enough to hold on to muscle you gained from a cycle while keeping your calorie intake high,when you start cutting calories and doing cardio,forget it!

 

[HansNZ]

I've had much the same concerns. I have been dieting for 3 weeks now and hate looking in the mirror. I feel so skinny and deflated. But I think my body will remember.

Last time I dieted down, once I went back to bulking my body exploded in size. I assume it will happen again this time. Once I finish my diet I figure three weeks of bulking will see the return of my original lean mass. Well I hope so anyway!

Best of luck.

 

[mike1107]

exactly the same problem for me...I finished my 10 weeks cuting cycle in 1week,I now have a nice 6 pack but I feel deflated !!
that is the reason why I'm thinkin that a goo thing is tryin to stay in the best shape possible even when on a bulking cycle...don't you think?
another good options is the use of DNP for those who are enough brave to try it,cuz he is supoosed to spare muscles while droppin bf very soon...

 

[drveejay11]

Grass is always greeneer on the other side!!!!

Mass w/hardly any abs
Abs w/ less mass
Mass with kick-ass abs...not for me