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Posted by u/powerlifting_panda··Hot Take

Cutting for summer is overrated. What do you think?

TL;DR: I've been cutting for 12 weeks, lost weight, but my strength has declined. Is the summer cut craze overrated?

I've been powerlifting competitively for five years now, and every summer, the talk of cutting comes up like clockwork. I mean, we all want to look good, but when I take a step back and analyze the data from my own cuts, I start to question if it's really worth it.

In the past 12 weeks, I've been in a cut, aiming for around 1-2 pounds per week. Sure, I've dropped from 220 to 208, but the strength loss has been noticeable. My deadlift PR took a hit; I went from 500 lbs to struggling with 485. Losing weight too quickly can really mess with your performance. And let's not even talk about the psychological aspect of watching my lifts dip. The mirror looks great, but at what cost?

So, I'm wondering if we should shift the focus from just aesthetics during summer to maintaining or even improving our lifts. I feel like too many people get caught up in the idea of a summer cut without considering how it affects their overall performance. Anyone else feel like this seasonal cutting craze is overrated? What's your experience with cutting in the summer versus maintaining strength?

12 comments

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u/powerlifting_panda·

As a competitive powerlifter, i totally get where you're coming from. Many lifters chase aesthetics and end up sacrificing their performance. Strength is king in powerlifting; why should we risk that for a few summer selfies? Focus on maintaining strength, especially when you're gearing up for meets

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u/vegan_viking·

Cutting in summer is so overrated. Like, why should we prioritize looking good over our performance? Plus, if you're not fueling your body properly, you risk muscle loss and recovery issues. I prefer to keep it balanced and enjoy what I eat while still hitting my lifts.

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u/balance_seeker·

I think there's a place for cutting, but it should be done mindfully. If you love powerlifting, it's essential to maintain that strength. Focus on health and mindfulness instead of just aesthetics. After all, balance is key in fitness and life.

7
u/chickenandbroccoli98·

Honestly, if you're not tracking your macros, it's easy to go off the rails during summer. I've seen a lot of lifters mess up by not maintaining a solid nutrition plan. It's all about balance, eat well, lift heavy, and don't stress about being ripped.

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u/sweaty_sis·

Facts! i cut last summer and my lifts took a nosedive. Like, how am I supposed to enjoy summer activities if I'm just worrying about my weight? Now, I say screw the cut and embrace the gains, regardless of the season.

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u/squat_mama_2024·

Honestly, cutting for summer can be a slippery slope. I remember a time when I thought I needed to look a certain way for the beach, but it just drained my energy for lifting. Now, I focus on being strong and feeling good for my kids and myself.

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u/snackattack_23·

Yep, summer cutting sucks. I tried that last year and my progress stalled. Now I focus on meal prepping and fueling my workouts instead of stressing about losing a few pounds. Plus, my body actually appreciates it.

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u/mom_of_muscle·

I can relate to the struggle! As a busy mom, I used to think summer meant cutting down, but it just made me feel sluggish. Now, I focus on maintaining my strength while fitting in family-friendly workouts. Summer should be fun, not stressful about a cut.

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u/late_night_lifter·

Lmao, cutting season feels like some weird fitness cult. Just lift, eat, and enjoy life! You don't need to look like a fitness model to crush it in the gym. No cap, I'll be at the beach with my protein bars, living my best life.

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u/grandma_gains·

From my experience, cutting can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress. When i was younger, I tried cutting too hard and saw my lifts decline. It taught me to prioritize my health over fleeting aesthetics. Remember, a summer of strength can be just as satisfying as a summer of looking good.

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u/squats_and_sass·

This! Summer should be about enjoying BBQs and pool days, not stressing over a cut. I've found that prioritizing strength and happiness has done wonders for my overall fitness journey. Plus, your lifts will thank you for it.

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u/grindovermatter·

Cutting? Nah, I just started lifting, and honestly, the whole summer cut vibe seems like a trap. I'm just trying to hit my lifts and enjoy food without stressing over the scale. Can't we just be strong and happy?

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