Increasing rest periods and lifting heavy during cutting phase
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When it comes to lifting heavy during a cutting phase, several insights can be drawn from experts like and others on the . They emphasize the strategy of maintaining muscle while cutting, which involves heavy lifting paired with longer rest periods and lower rep ranges. This approach is particularly effective because it provides a strong signal to the body to preserve muscle, even while in a calorie deficit 1.
During a cutting phase, energy levels are typically lower due to reduced caloric intake. Therefore, engaging in low rep, heavy lifting can be more manageable and less exhausting than high-rep, high-volume workouts. This is because the overall volume and intensity with low-rep lifting are easier on recovery when calories are low 2.
Furthermore, changing up rep ranges, regardless of one's goals, introduces a novel stimulus, which is crucial for ongoing progress. No single rep range is superior for muscle growth; rather, cycling through different ranges helps maintain continuous muscle development 3.
In summary, while cutting, focusing on heavy lifting with extended rest periods can help preserve muscle mass efficiently. This method should align with a structured nutrition plan to ensure consistent results and prevent overtraining or burnout.
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