Quote:
Originally Posted by dougz
Well, the muscle doesn't turn to fat, does it? 
Isn't that just an old wives tale?
Like I say, I wouldn't drop strength completely..
I'd just do it the NROL way and do it in blocks..
Hypertrophy I for 4 weeks, rest 1 week, Hypertrophy 2 for 4 weeks, rest, Strength I for 4 weeks, etc. etc..
But I dunno..
I've got 2 weeks of SS I can do, then either Leigh's OPT lifting program or Lyle's Rapid Fat Loos handbook to do for 3 months..
Hopefully I'll have it figured out by then.. |
Muscle doesn't turn to fat (this time I caught the sarcasm!). But, you need to use muscle mass to keep it. If you don't utilize it your body will catabolize the muscles over time. You can't maintain hypertrophy indefinitely. Strength is a neurological adaptation. Its more likely to stick with you. But, in truth it doesn't matter what you pick, if you stop giving your body a reason to use it....it will lose it. But, its easier to regain strength.
I'm sure that I'll do both hypertrophy and strength programs. I'd like to be bigger as well. But, I'm going the strength then hypertrophy route.
I still believe that its not that relevant what you do during fat loss as long as you challenge yourself. I do see that you are more likely to make strength gains than size gains while on a deficit. That only makes sense. But, I've done both.
Strength training is less calorically demanding than volume work. But, its harder on the CNS. And when you're in a deficit I guess you take your pick. Strength and a feeling of fatigue, or hypertrophy and days worth of soreness both of which are harder to heal in a hypocaloric state.
I think its more critical to pick a program and stick with it once you are in a strength/size phase. When dieting you're just hoping to retain muscle, not build it. But, You don't want to be program hopping when you're trying to gain. It's a lot harder to gain muscle mass than to lose fat. And the gains are smaller. You could be gaining well on one program, but not realize it. Then go onto two other programs and once your body begins to adapt you move on....losing those adaptations. Its ok to try different programs.....but only after completing the first one. I see myself doing one program, then a different one...then a third, etc. But, I'll complete them one at a time before moving on.