Hi Scott,
Thank you for the quick response sir!
You are correct, I am not newbie to resistance training. But, I am new to bodybuilding type of training.
To answer your question: did you ever have a good diet with a good surplus to build muscle?
- July2017 to Oct2017
- I had a good surplus plan 2000 - 2300cal
- Crossfit and some 5x5 strength program
- Resutls: I gained 5lbs with some muscle, but I put on belly fat as well.
- With a shoulder pain, I decided to stop crossfit and focus on strenght
- Oct2017 to March2018:
- carbcycling around 1550(Low), 1750 (Medium), 1950(High) calories.
- 5x5 strenght program
- Results: I dropped 5lbs and I think I preserved muscle
- Since April2018
- Eating clean at 1800 calories.
- I started following your videos and modified my training to do 8-12rep range for compounded movements and added accessories.
- This helped me gain confidence and I saw improvements in my strength.
- Below are my current strenght levels..
Back Squat: 200lbs (1rep) -> progressing good
Deadlift: 270lbs (1rep) -> progressing good
Bent over rows 125lbs (1rep) ->progressing good
Bench Press: 110lbs (1rep) -> shoulder issue preventing gains (switched to DB Chest Press. I can do 5 to 8reps with 42.5lbs DBs)
Shoulder Press: 85lbs (1rep) -> shoulder issue preventing gains
Clean: 130lbs (1rep) -> stopped
Clean and Jerk: 125lbs (1rep) -> stopped
Push Press: 115lbs (1rep) -> stopped
I looked at Cheat and Recover program, it sounds very interesting.
However, to your point I am debating should I cut to 13%-15% first before starting bulk?
Appreciate any advice!