Lost 70 lbs at 200, what should I focus on next?

TL;DR: Lost 70 lbs in a year, down to 200. What should I focus on next: cutting or building muscle?

I just wrapped up a year-long journey where I dropped 70 lbs, and I went from 270 to 200. It's been quite the ride, not just for me but for my family too. My kids have been my little cheerleaders, always ready to join me for a quick workout or a bike ride. I've learned to incorporate healthier meals into our family dinners, which sometimes results in my kids questioning why we're eating things that are green (they still think broccoli is an alien vegetable).

I celebrated some serious milestones along the way, hitting PRs in my lifts too. For example, I went from a 150 lb bench press to 225 lbs. That felt amazing! It's like my body was saying, 'Hey, thanks for dropping that weight, now let's lift some more.' But as I stand here at 200 lbs, I find myself asking what my next focus should be. Should I continue cutting down, or is it time to start leaning into some muscle gain? Any thoughts on how to approach this? I just want to make sure I'm still prioritizing my health and keeping up with my kids while I figure it out.

11 comments

Comments

u/bro_split_babe·2 days ago

Low-key, you should def lean into muscle gain! It's like, more muscle means more calories burned. Plus, leg day is where it's at! 😏 If you're looking for something fun, try doing circuits with your kids. They'll love it, and you'll be building those gains while having a blast.

u/powerlifting_panda·2 days ago

Congrats on those lifting gains! Going from a 150 lb bench to 225 is insane progress. If you're considering muscle gain, just keep in mind your volume and intensity. Progressive overload will be key here. I'd suggest aiming for a rep range of 6-12 for hypertrophy. And don't shy away from some isolation work for those stubborn muscle groups!

u/squat_mama_2024·2 days ago

I love that your kids are involved! It's so valuable for them to see you prioritize health. As for your next steps, why not try a recomp? It's all about losing fat while gaining muscle, which can be perfect at your current weight. Just keep lifting heavy and eating enough protein to fuel those workouts

u/iifymyself·2 days ago

Ngl, just don't forget about cardio! I know lifting is super fun, but mixing in some HIIT or just active family outings keeps your metabolism in check. Find a way to make it enjoyable so you won't feel like it's a chore. At the end of the day, it's all about balance, right?

u/dad_bod_legacy·1 day ago

First off, huge congrats on losing 70 lbs! That's no small feat, and it's inspiring to hear how your family has supported you. I remember when I was trying to get back into shape, my kids would always want to join me in my workouts. It turned into a fun family tradition! As for what to focus on next, I'd suggest considering a slow bulk. It allows you to gain some muscle while still enjoying the progress you've made. Just make sure to monitor your caloric intake so you don't end up back where you started

u/iifymyself·2 days ago

100% agree with the slow bulk idea. It's all about finding that balance. Make sure you're tracking your macros though; MyFitnessPal is a solid app if you're not already using something like it. You could hit those lifting PRs while still keeping your nutrition in check. Plus, with your kids joining in on the fun, it keeps everything sustainable and enjoyable.

u/kettlebell_queen·2 days ago

Facts, tracking is such a lifesaver. I use Cronometer sometimes because it gives you a breakdown of micronutrients too. Being informed on what you're eating helps, especially if you're going for muscle gain. Just remember, focus on quality foods and enjoy the process with your family. It should feel rewarding!

u/beach_body_2024·2 days ago

This is so relatable! I've been on a fitness journey too, and it's so important to focus on both strength and aesthetics. You could start tracking your lifts and progress pics, it'll motivate you to keep pushing. Just remember, building muscle takes time but it's worth it for the long-term results.

u/kettlebell_queen·2 days ago

Wow, 70 lbs is amazing! 🎉 You should totally celebrate those PRs too, that's no joke! As for what's next, why not try focusing on muscle gain? A good way to start is by incorporating more compound lifts into your routine. Things like deadlifts and squats will help you build strength and size. Also, if your kids want to lift with you, it's a great way to make it a family affair. Maybe have a little competition!

u/mealprep_mike99·2 days ago

For sure, tracking is key! I meal prep every Sunday and it makes a huge difference in staying on track. I use a simple system of containers and labels, so I know exactly what I'm eating during the week. If you're looking to build muscle, consider meal prepping high-protein meals. It's super easy to whip up grilled chicken and veggies for the whole family!

u/sneaky_fiber·2 days ago

You should think about your fiber intake as you shift your focus. It's crucial when building muscle to keep digestion healthy. Adding foods like beans, lentils, and whole grains can help. Plus, keeping your meals balanced with protein, fats, and carbs will keep your energy levels high for those family workouts.