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Posted by u/cuttingseason_2024··Cutting

What's the best way to kick off my cutting phase without losing strength?

I'm about 3 months out from summer and wanna start cutting, but I'm worried about dropping my strength while losing weight. Should I adjust my calorie intake and keep lifting heavy, or do I need to switch up my routine? Any tips for a newbie would be sick!

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u/chickenncarrots·

Just be careful about dropping your weights too much. When I started cutting, I focused on maintaining my compound lifts and dropped isolation work for a bit. It's all about prioritizing strength during this phase.

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facts! Keep lifting heavy while cutting. Also, don't stress too much about your strength. You might lose a bit, but you'll get it back once you bulk again. Just stay consistent.

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u/calisthenics_king·

Be cautious with cardio though. Excessive cardio can lead to muscle loss. I've seen it happen to a lot of lifters who tried to cut too aggressively. Stick to moderate amounts and focus on bodyweight exercises for a bit

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u/happygains·

One thing I've learned is to focus on the positive! Celebrate the small wins, like hitting your protein targets or feeling a bit leaner. Remember, cutting doesn't have to be miserable. Enjoy the process and stay active!

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u/veganpowerlifter·

If you're worried about losing strength, consider cycling your carbs around your workouts. Higher carbs on lifting days can help maintain energy and performance while you're in a deficit. Plus, don't forget about micronutrients; they matter too.

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u/workoutwanderer·

You might want to try mixing up your routine too. Incorporate some HIIT sessions; they can help with fat loss while keeping your workouts fun. I've found that changing my scenery while working out helps keep me motivated

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First off, you don't need to drastically cut calories right away. Aim for a moderate deficit, like 10-20%, and keep your protein high to preserve strength. Also, make sure you're lifting heavy, it'll help maintain your gains.

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this! Cutting can be fun if u make it a challenge instead of a chore. Try new recipes or explore different lifting techniques. Plus, summer's coming, so u got this!

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u/runningfromcardio·

Lmao, honestly just make sure you're eating enough protein! im not a fan of cutting, but I still try to keep my strength up when I'm dropping weight. If u start to feel tired, it might be time to reevaluate your plan.

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