Cutting and Body Image
A journey through powerlifting leads to a strict cutting phase, where the struggle between physical transformation and mental well-being becomes evident. Despite achieving impressive weight loss and muscle definition, the reality of body dysmorphia sets in, leaving feelings of depletion and dissatisfaction. As calories are gradually reintroduced, the desire to shift focus from losing weight to building muscle emerges, highlighting the complexities of fitness and self-image.In this clip
From this podcast
Mind Pump Podcast
Focus On Doing THIS To Prevent OVEREATING & Achieve WEIGHT LOSS Goals | Mind Pump 1919
Related Questions
I have made a solid transformation over the last year. I started at 182 lbs at 15% body fat in April and am now down to 171 lbs at 9.5% body fat in October. I achieved this through a long-duration cut over that period. Over the last couple of months, I have increased my calories from 2100 to 2500 and have reached 178 lbs at 9.2% body fat, with a slight decrease in body fat percentage. I’m worried that I am nearing the end of being in the miracle zone of reducing fat while building muscle and I'm curious if I should go back onto my cut. Should I continue increasing calories or go back onto my cut?
I stopped working with a coach when I was around 188lbs and felt pretty lean and strong. I was struggling to hit workouts consistently and often overeating outside the diet. I then did full body workouts following MAPS Anabolic, got strong, and continued eating to put on size. For the last 4 weeks, I’ve been doing push-pull legs for 4 days a week and getting pretty strong again as I get back into shape. I’ve been eating around 2900-3000 calories per day, and now I’m 202lbs. Being this weight feels strange to me. My goal was always to get bigger and leaner, but now I don’t hear compliments anymore, and I’m second-guessing myself. I don’t know if my perception is off or if I need to tighten up on my diet or routine. What should I do?
I'm in phase 2 week 5 of MAPS Powerlift. I was running a bulk in the 3900 calorie range for a month or two, but I found that I was gaining more fat than I should have, so I reduced my intake to 3000 calories. The scale hasn't changed much, and I am curious if I should just continue at 3000 calories or cut even lower.