weight loss and muscle preservation theory

[AlbertEinstein]

cheers all,

I have this theory that came from my experience first, and then it was confirmed by few medical doctors. It might help people struggling to loose weight (that last couple of pounds) but are afraid of waisting of muscle mass in the cutting process.

here it goes:
1. One can not loose muscle mass if lifting heavy and often, since in this case, even if cutting calories, body tends to preserve muscle since is seen as needed for daily activities (heavy lifting or as body sees it, survival)

2.however if one starts missing workouts and keeps the diet, muscle will start waisting and body goes into starvation mode and preserving fat.

3.so diet with a slight decrease in calories combined with heavy lifting will work indefinitely for reaching the final goal of being ripped, having six(8) pack and muscle preservation.

4. Cardio puts body in the survival mode only if it a some form of HIIT (short bursts of energy followed by interval of rest - similar to heavy compound weight lifting)

5. Cardio will start waisting muscle in the form of some sort of constant intensity cardio over the long period of time. Body sees it as starvation mode and starts waisting muscle and saving fat (usually not possible to preserve fat either)

what are your toughts?

[RipStone]

I am not sure what you are trying to say in #4. But the rest, at least in my expiernces, are pretty valid arguments.

[Canadian_Bacon]

Most are fairly true but you state to many absolutes.

If you body needs the calories to support its basic function it WILL break down muscle protein for energy regardless of how often you lift. Having strong muscles dont help you if your internal organs cant function. They will always fall above muscles on the priorty pyramid that exists in our body.

Lyle had a good post on how #4 is not quiet the whole story. I will see if I can track it down.

[Canadian_Bacon]

Originally posted by Canadian_Bacon:
Most are fairly true but you state to many absolutes.

If you body needs the calories to support its basic function it WILL break down muscle protein for energy regardless of how often you lift. Having strong muscles doesnt help you if your internal organs cant function. They will always fall above muscles on the priorty pyramid that exists in our body.

Lyle had a good post on how #4 is not quite the whole story. I will see if I can track it down.

[AlbertEinstein]

Canadian_Bacon:

I agree that ypur body will start breaking muscle if calories are needed for basic function, but I am talking about grey zone between basal metahbolism and weight loss while weight lifting and cutting.

[johan]

Just a thought:
Your body may not break down muscle if you keep lifting heavy, but if you are not eating enough, you may not get enough energy to lift heavy.

[img]smile.gif[/img]

[DKing]

I think you are relying on too many absolutes. The body is a crazy thing.

1. You can still lose muscle, but there is a better chance of it not happening. If you cut too many calories the body will need to take muscle. Also realize that a lot of strength gains are in the nervous system, ie the body wiring itself more effciently so you can still lose muscle while getting stronger and dieting. And like Johan said, it can be hard to keep lifting heavy over long periods of time if you aren't eating enough. Its one of the reasons top powerlifters are all huge guys.

2. You will lose muscle then, but its not always your body going into starvation mode. Its just the use it or lose it principle. The body doesn't need it so it gets rid of it.

3. It will work but not indefinatly. The body is great at adapting to things and if variables aren't changed progress will stall.

4. not sure what you mean

5. Again its a balance. Cardio just burns calories. You go too low and the body will be forced to sacrafice muscle, but if you keep the deficit moderate, it will be more likely to take fat.

Danny

[Ogedei]

I think that what Danny says in his #1 point is something that alot of people don't realize.

They think that they are adding muscle because they can lift more, when in reality they may be losing muscle, but using what they have far more efficently.

Og.