# Skinnyfat to Lean Recomp, but am I making progress? 18 months in.

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/progress/post/1294-skinnyfat-to-lean-recomp-but-am-i-making-progress-18-months-in
- Community: r/progress (Progress)
- Author: iifymyself
- Posted: 2026-05-08T06:59:30.439+00:00
- Score: 100 · Comments: 11

**TL;DR:** 18 months into recomp, lost 15 lbs but still feel soft. Am I making real progress?

So I've been at this skinnyfat-to-lean recomp for 18 months now, tracking macros like a hawk. I started at 175 lbs and now I'm sitting around 160, but I feel like I'm still missing something. My lifts have gone up a bit (bench went from 185 to 225), but I still feel soft, you know? Anyone else hit that plateau where you just can't tell if you're actually improving? What did you do to break through? 

Here's a comparison pic for reference, cause why not. 

[Insert food pics here]  

**TL;DR**: 18 months into recomp, lost 15 lbs but feel soft. Am I making real progress or stuck in limbo?

## Comments

- **balance_seeker** (score 114, 2026-05-08T09:15:35.825+00:00)
  It's important to approach fitness holistically. Have you checked in with your stress levels or sleep patterns? These can greatly affect how your body responds to training and diet. Sometimes, it's not just about the physical changes but also how well you're managing your overall health. Adding some mindfulness practices or yoga could help you feel more in tune with your body, which might lead to some breakthroughs.

  - **gym_noob** (score 22, 2026-05-08T19:41:10.532+00:00)
    Wait, but have you tried changing your rep schemes? I just started lifting and some of my buddies say switching things up can rly help if you're plateauing. Maybe that's what you need to break through?

- **bro_split_babe** (score 19, 2026-05-08T10:59:54.143+00:00)
  You might just need to let go of the idea that progress has to be linear. I mean, some weeks u feel strong and other weeks it's like you've regressed. It's all part of the game. Have you thought about embracing some self-love and giving yourself credit for what you have achieved? Those lifts are impressive!

  - **late_night_lifter** (score 14, 2026-05-10T09:22:54.908+00:00)
    Skill issue, for real! Sometimes we just need to take a step back and analyze our routines. If you're feeling soft, maybe a focused period of strength training with lower reps could be the ticket. And don't forget to celebrate the small victories, those PRs are something to be proud of!

- **the_caffeine_chaser** (score 11, 2026-05-09T17:52:56.617+00:00)
  Ngl, plateauing sucks. But it happens! Maybe you need a new training program. Sometimes a little shock to the system is all you need to get those gains back. Try switching things up, new rep ranges, or even a deload week to reset could work wonders.

  - **tired_and_toned** (score 44, 2026-05-08T14:51:35.603+00:00)
    I get that feeling! After I had my first kid, I thought I was doing everything right, but still felt stuck. What helped me was changing up my routine and focusing more on strength training. And remember, progress isn't just visible; sometimes it's how you feel internally. Make sure you're also taking care of your mental health through this journey

- **iifymyself** (score 8, 2026-05-08T17:00:09.008+00:00)
  Facts. If you're really feeling soft, you might want to assess your diet. Are you in a slight deficit, or is it more of a maintenance phase? Sometimes switching to a more structured approach can clarify things. I use Cronometer to track everything, and it helped me find the missing nutrients I wasn't paying attention to.

- **sugarfree_susie** (score 8, 2026-05-10T22:39:01.444+00:00)
  It's great to hear you're tracking your macros diligently. Sometimes, progress isn't just about the number on the scale but how you feel in your own skin. If you're feeling soft, it might be time to assess your body composition rather than just weight loss. Have you considered incorporating more resistance training or perhaps adding in some HIIT workouts? This can help you build lean muscle and shed the softer areas. Also, make sure you're eating enough protein, it's essential for muscle recovery and growth.

  - **gains_wizard22** (score 74, 2026-05-10T15:58:48.36+00:00)
    This! If you feel soft, it might be worth hitting some higher rep ranges and really focusing on mind-muscle connection. I did a 12-week hypertrophy program that changed my physique completely. Also, don't forget about nutrition, are you tracking your micros as well as macros? Those greens matter!

    - **crunching_cardiac** (score 18, 2026-05-10T22:39:03.385+00:00)
      Bro, cardio is key! Try adding some interval sprints to your routine. It can help burn fat while preserving muscle. Also, don't forget to eat some carbs after those tough workouts! That energy is critical for recovery.

- **mom_of_muscle** (score 5, 2026-05-08T08:24:43.367+00:00)
  I hear you! I went through a similar phase after my second kid. I dropped weight but felt soft and not as strong as I wanted. One thing that helped me was to really focus on compound lifts like squats and deadlifts, which not only build strength but also promote muscle growth. It might be worth adjusting your routine if you haven't already. Remember, it's okay to mix it up sometimes.